An adenoidectomy is the surgical removal of the adenoids, a small pad of lymphoid tissue at the back of the nose. It is performed on children whose enlarged adenoids cause nasal blockage, breathing difficulties, recurrent ear infections or glue ear. For more on the underlying condition, see Tonsil & Adenoid Issues. The procedure is commonly performed along with a tonsillectomy.
When an adenoidectomy is considered
An adenoidectomy is typically recommended when enlarged adenoids are causing symptoms like a blocked nose, mouth breathing, sleep-disordered breathing, recurrent ear infections or glue ear. The decision to proceed is made after looking at how persistent the symptoms are and how they’re affecting day-to-day life. For more on the symptoms and when surgery becomes appropriate, see Tonsil & Adenoid Issues.
An adenoidectomy may also be performed at the time of grommet insertion. Removing the adenoids when a second set of grommets is placed has been shown to reduce the frequency of ear infections and the need for further grommet insertions. In children over four years of age, it can also reduce the need for reinsertion when performed at the time of the first set of grommets. Because the adenoids sit close to the opening of the Eustachian tube, they can block the tube and harbour bacteria that migrate into the middle ear.
The procedure
When performed on its own, an adenoidectomy is a short day-surgery procedure under general anaesthesia. It typically takes around 30 minutes.
Dr Padhye removes the adenoid tissue through the mouth — no external incisions are needed. When combined with a tonsillectomy, it is called an adenotonsillectomy.
There is a small risk of bleeding after the procedure, so your child will be kept in day surgery for observation until they are safe for discharge — unless Dr Padhye prefers them to stay in hospital overnight.
Recovery
After surgery, your child may feel nauseous or have a sore throat. They’ll be encouraged to eat light foods and drink plenty of fluids.
Adenoidectomy on its own is typically not considered a painful operation. Occasionally, some children experience a sore throat from the breathing tube used during the anaesthetic. Regular pain relief with paracetamol is usually enough for the first few days; stronger pain relief is rarely needed.
For the first few days following surgery, your child may have bad breath and a blocked or smelly nose, with possible light bloodstained discharge. A short course of antibiotics and a nasal spray are often prescribed to help with this.
Plan for your child to rest for a couple of days and stay away from school or daycare for approximately one week. There is a small risk of bleeding in the two weeks after adenoidectomy, though this is rare when the procedure is performed on its own. To minimise this risk, avoid vigorous activities for two weeks.
Costs
Before proceeding, our practice will provide written documentation of all costs associated with your procedure — your surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee and hospital fees. Claiming from your health insurance fund will be explained to you at that time.
Risks and complications
Every surgical procedure carries risks. Dr Padhye will discuss the potential risks and complications associated with your child’s adenoidectomy during your initial consultation.
Your initial consultation
Every patient begins with an initial consultation with Dr Padhye. He’ll perform a thorough assessment, review your child’s medical history and answer any questions you may have. If an adenoidectomy is appropriate, he’ll present a surgical plan and discuss the procedure in detail — so you can make an informed decision about whether to proceed.
Your follow-up appointment
Dr Padhye sees his patients approximately four to six weeks after adenoid surgery. Our practice will coordinate the date with you before surgery. If you have any further questions before or after surgery, please feel free to call our clinic — we’re always here to help.
