Adenoidectomy

 

 

WHAT IS THE ADENOID?

 

The adenoid is tissue that looks like tiny clusters of grapes, located in the passage that connects the nose and the throat. (The adenoid is also called pharyngeal tonsils, but it is separate from the tonsils in the throat.) The adenoid is behind the nose and is not directly visible. The adenoids filters out bacteria and viruses entering through the nose and produces antibodies to help the body fight infections but this role ceases at a young age.

 

Mr Russell may suggest surgery for your child because of persistent or recurring enlargement or infections of the adenoid. Children do not suffer from more infections after adenoid surgery.

 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AN ENLARGED OR INFECTED ADENOID?

 

There are several symptoms associated with an enlarged adenoid. You may notice that your child:

 

•    complains of difficulty breathing through the nose

•    is breathing through the mouth

•    talks as if nostrils are pinched

•    breathes noisily

•    snores while sleeping

•    stops breathing for a few seconds while sleeping (sleep apnoea)

 

 

TREATMENT OF AN ENLARGED ADENOID - SURGERY NECESSARY?

 

Mr Russell may wish to treat your child’s infected adenoid with antibiotics. If the adenoid is not infected, you may choose to wait - an enlarged adenoid is normal in some children. Your child’s adenoid may eventually shrink on their own. Mr Russell may suggest adenoid surgery if your child experiences one or more of the following:

 

• difficulty breathing

• sleep apnoea

• recurrent infections

• distorted speech

 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING ADENOID SURGERY?

 

Surgery can be a frightening experience for both children and their parents. You can help prepare your child for adenoid surgery by talking about what to expect.

 

• your child will receive general anaesthesia. This means the surgery will be performed in an operating room where an anaesthetist will monitor your child.

• your child will be asleep for about 20 minutes.

• Mr Russell removes the adenoid through the mouth. There is no need to cut the skin.

           

Your child will wake up in the recovery area. In most cases, the total time in the hospital is 5-8 hours. Routinely, children will go home on the day of the surgery and will be given medication and instruction about controlling pain when at home.

 

Mr Russell will review your child in his rooms in about 3 weeks.

 

If you have any concerns, please contact Mr Russell

 

[Modified from the Nemours Foundation.]