Adenoidectomy - Diagnosis, Surgery & Recovery

What Happens Before Adenoidectomy?

Here is what typically needs to be done before the surgery:

• Around one week before the procedure, avoid giving your child any medicine that may thin the blood, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• The night before the surgery, your child should not eat or drink anything after midnight. This includes water.
• On the day of the procedure, only give your child the medicines recommended by the doctor, and only with a small sip of water if needed.

What Happens During Adenoidectomy Surgery?

Step 1 · 30–60 mins

Hospital Admission

The patient arrives at the hospital.

Registration and admission formalities are completed.

Vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and oxygen levels, are checked.

Step 2 · 20–40 mins

Pre-surgery Preparation

The ENT surgeon reviews the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and examination findings.

Relevant tests and medical reports are reviewed, if required.

The surgical procedure, expected recovery, and possible risks are explained.

Informed consent is obtained, and an IV line may be started for fluids and medications.

Step 3 · 10–15 mins

Anesthesia Administration

The patient is taken to the operating theatre.

General anesthesia is administered so the patient remains asleep and does not feel pain during the surgery.

The patient’s breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels are continuously monitored.

Step 4 · 20–40 mins

Adenoidectomy Procedure

The surgeon accesses the enlarged adenoids through the mouth, so no external incision is usually required.

The adenoid tissue is carefully removed using appropriate surgical instruments or techniques.

Any bleeding is controlled using cauterisation or other suitable methods.

The surgical area is examined to ensure that the adenoid tissue has been adequately removed and bleeding is under control.

Step 5 · 1–2 hours

Post-surgery Recovery

The patient is moved to the recovery area and monitored as the effects of anesthesia wear off.

Nurses check breathing, oxygen levels, pulse, blood pressure, pain, and overall comfort.

Once fully awake and stable, the patient may begin drinking fluids and gradually resume a light diet.

Pain-relief medication is provided if required.

Step 6 · Same Day or Next Day

Discharge

Most patients are discharged on the same day after a period of observation, although some may require an overnight stay.

The doctor provides instructions regarding medications, hydration, diet, rest, and follow-up care.

Soft, cool foods and adequate fluid intake may be recommended during the initial recovery period.

Patients should seek medical attention if they experience significant bleeding, difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, severe pain, or signs of dehydration.

What Happens During Adenoidectomy?

An adenoidectomy is usually a quick and simple procedure performed under general anaesthesia. Here is what typically happens during the surgery:

• The surgeon gently places a small instrument in the mouth to keep it open.
• The enlarged adenoids are carefully removed using a special tool like a curette (a spoon-shaped instrument), a microdebrider, or using heat-based techniques.
• Techniques such as electrocautery or coblation (radiofrequency energy) may be used to safely remove the tissue and minimise bleeding.
• In some cases, an absorbent material called a packing agent is placed temporarily to control any remaining bleeding.

What Happens After Adenoidectomy?

After your child undergoes adenoidectomy, it is normal to experience a mild sore throat, nasal congestion, or snoring for a few days. These symptoms usually improve as healing progresses. The recovery period typically lasts 7 to 10 days.

Here is what to expect and how to care for your child after adenoid removal surgery:

• Diet: Offer soft, cool foods and plenty of fluids. Avoid hot or spicy food in the first few days.
• Activity: Limit strenuous physical activity for about a week. Your child can return to school once they feel better, usually within a few days.
• Pain relief: Mild pain or discomfort can be managed with doctor-approved medication. Avoid giving aspirin unless directed by the doctor.
• Nasal symptoms: It’s common to notice bad breath, a blocked nose, or a mild fever. These typically improve within a week.
• Follow-up: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and evaluate the success of the adenoids treatment.

What are the risks of Adenoidectomy?

An adenoidectomy is generally a safe and routine procedure, especially when performed by experienced ENT specialists. However, as with any surgery, there may be a few potential risks. These are rare but important to be aware of:

• Mild pain and discomfort – Slight throat pain or soreness may occur after surgery, which usually settles within a few days.

• Infection – Though uncommon, there is a small chance of infection post-surgery. This can typically be managed with antibiotics.

• Reaction to anaesthesia – Some children may have a mild reaction to general anaesthesia, such as nausea or drowsiness.

• Bleeding – Minor bleeding can occur during or shortly after the procedure. Severe bleeding is very rare.

• Voice changes – Temporary nasal speech may occur in some cases, especially if the adenoids were large. This usually improves as healing progresses.

• Persistent symptoms – In rare instances, adenoids treatment may not fully resolve the underlying issues such as frequent ear infections or nasal drainage. Further evaluation may be needed.

Benefits of Adenoidectomy

Adenoidectomy is often recommended when adenoids treatment with medications or steroid nasal sprays for adenoids has not worked. Here are the main benefits of adenoid removal surgery:

• Improves nasal breathing by clearing blocked airways
• Reduces breathing through mouth
• Lowers the risk of ear infections
• Minimises sinus and throat infections
• Improves sleep quality
• Enhances speech clarity and vocal quality in some patients.
• Supports healthy growth and development in children 
• Eliminates the need for repeated antibiotics
• Offers a permanent solution for chronic adenoid hypertrophy treatment
• Minimally invasive and safe

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