How Are Adenoids Removed

Adenoids are a part of the immune system that helps ward off infections and keeps bacteria and viruses at bay. A quick surgery to remove them is called adenoidectomy. This WellnessKeen article looks into the ‘before’, ‘during’, and ‘after’ phases of this surgical procedure.

The Outlook

After an adenoidectomy, most children experience:

✦ Lesser ear and throat infections
✦ Easy breathing through the nose

Adenoids are a small group of lymph nodes in the neck, which are present only in children. These are present at the junction of the nose and throat. These are lymph nodes, which, during childhood, are considered to be a part of the immune system. Thus, they help in fighting off infections during childhood.

Adenoids start to grow at birth, and by age 7, start to shrink, almost disappearing during teenage. However, as a person ages, there may be problems like swelling or enlargement that could lead to a person being left with no choice, but to have these adenoids removed. This surgical removal is known as an adenoidectomy. This procedure is normally carried out in children. However, an adenoidectomy is not performed on a child who is below the age of six years. This is because, at this age, the adenoids are still considered to be an integral part of the immune system. Given below are details about how adenoids are removed and what precautions need to be followed after this surgery.

Why is Surgery Essential?

✦ Adenoids can harbor many chronic infections, which could be the root cause of recurring sinusitis or recurring bouts of ear infections.

✦ Furthermore, due to constant bouts of infections, the adenoids may end up enlarging in size and become swollen adenoids. This can lead to obstruction of breathing in children and adults. This is, in fact, one of the main causes of sleep apnea. Thus, the most common reason for children to get an adenoidectomy is to help them sleep better and prevent the chances of getting attacks of sleep apnea.

✦ Sometimes, there may even be a need for removing adenoids if there are recurrent nasal infections.

Before the Surgery: Preparation

✦ A week before the surgery, do not give your child any medicines, likeaspirin, ibuprofen, etc., that acts as a blood thinner.

✦ The doctor may ask for a blood test to be done to know the RBC and WBC count.

✦ Do not eat or drink after midnight (on the night before the procedure). However, if medicines have to be taken, then have them with sips of water.

✦ On the day of the operation, the doctor might ask you to consume some medicines.

Surgical Procedure

✦ This procedure is usually performed in children, and is done under general anesthesia.

✦ Once the patient is unconscious, the surgeon will insert a small instrument which will help to hold the child’s mouth open, i.e., it will act as a prop. Once the surgeon has secured easy access to the adenoids, he will use a curette or a microdebrider to soften the tissues.

✦ Some surgeons even prefer to simply cauterize the glands rather than remove them, as this leads to reduced blood loss. The bleeding can be controlled with the help of packing material to absorb the blood, or even with the help of cauterization.

✦ Some surgeons use electricity to heat the tissue, remove it, and stop bleeding. This is called electrocautery.

✦ Another method uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to do the same thing. This is called coblation. A cutting tool called debrider can also be used to remove the tissue.

Postoperative Care

✦ The actual procedure may take around half an hour or so, but the person will need to be in the recovery room after surgery for about an hour.

✦ After waking up, the child may have an upset stomach and may feel like vomiting for the first twenty-four hours.

✦ The child may complain of mild sore throat for a day or two. However, most patients are able to drink and eat normally, within a few hours after the surgery. It is advisable though to ask the child to drink plenty of fluids after the surgery.

✦ The doctor will mostly prescribe an antibiotic cover for five to ten days after the surgery.

✦ A bit of neck soreness, body pain, and slight discomfort is expected. If there is pain and swelling, use an ice cover.

Side effects like these are, however, minimal, and so, it need not be a cause for concern. Complete recovery happens in about one or two weeks.

The main reason adenoidectomy is not a very bothersome surgery is because it is considered that as a person ages, especially in case of adults, adenoids become vestigial organs. Hence, when there is a flare up of adenoids in case of upper respiratory infections, it is considered to be more of a nuisance than of help. In the end, this surgical procedure is a regular and simple one. Ensure that the doctor explains the procedure in depth before undertaking it.

Sometimes (on rare occasions that is), this tissue may grow back; however, it mostly does not cause any problem.

Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for professional medical advice.