Adenoidectomy
An adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the enlarged (hypertrophied) or chronically infected adenoids. Depending on the specific patient, adenoidectomy may be combined with other surgical procedures such as tonsillectomy or tympanostomy tubes.
When is adenoidectomy (removal of the adenoid) a consideration?
Your doctor may have sent you to us to be evaluated for removal of the adenoid, with symptoms of sinusitis, nasal breathing obstruction, or a history of ear infections.
Some of the guidelines that we follow in order to consider an adenoidectomy are:
- Chronic infection of the adenoid (sinusitis-like symptoms) despite adequate treatment.
- Adenoid hypertrophy (enlargement) causing mouth breathing, nasal blockage, snoring, and restless sleep.
- Recurrent ear infections.
What is involved with removing the adenoid?
The surgery is done through the mouth under a general anesthetic. One technique used for removal uses a sharp curette to remove the tissue behind the nose. Many times cautery (removal with suction and heat) is used to perform the surgery, resulting in very little, or no blood loss. This surgery is performed on an outpatient basis.
Your child will be given specific instructions regarding activity, diet, and medications after surgery. Please follow the instructions given to you by your physician and office staff.
Please see adenoiditis, adenoid hypertrophy, and adenoidectomy post-op instructions for more information.