Doctor explains Adenoidectomy |

In this video, I delve into the topic of adenoidectomy, a common procedure that can significantly improve the quality of life for children suffering from breathing issues. If your child has been experiencing mouth breathing, snoring, or frequent ear or sinus infections, it’s possible that enlarged adenoids are the culprit. Understanding this condition and the surgical options available can empower you as a parent to make informed decisions about your child's health.

So, what exactly are adenoids? These small lumps of tissue are located high in the throat, just behind the nose, and are part of the immune system. They play a crucial role in helping children fight off infections by trapping bacteria and viruses. However, as children grow, adenoids naturally shrink and often disappear by the time they reach their teenage years. In adults, they are considered vestigial, meaning they no longer serve a significant purpose. Sometimes, though, adenoids can become enlarged due to repeated infections, allergies, or simply because some children are born with larger adenoids. When this happens, they can obstruct the airway, leading to a variety of issues such as difficulty breathing through the nose, constant mouth breathing (especially during sleep), loud snoring, sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep), and frequent sinus or ear infections. If these symptoms are mild, your healthcare provider may suggest monitoring the situation. However, if they are severe or causing significant disruption to your child's sleep or health, an adenoidectomy may be recommended.

Now, let’s discuss what happens during an adenoidectomy. This procedure is most commonly performed on children between the ages of 1 and 7 and is one of the most frequently conducted ENT surgeries in this age group. Before the surgery, your child will need to refrain from eating and drinking for a specified period, and your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions on this. It’s also important to stop any medications that could thin the blood, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, prior to the procedure.

On the day of the surgery, your child will receive a general anesthetic, ensuring they are asleep and pain-free throughout the operation. The surgeon will perform the procedure through the mouth, meaning there are no external cuts involved. Using a technique called electrocautery, the surgeon carefully removes the adenoids while minimizing bleeding. In some cases, the adenoidectomy may be performed alongside tonsil removal (tonsillectomy) or grommet insertion if there are overlapping symptoms. For more detailed information on these related procedures, I recommend checking out the channel of my colleague, Dr. Vic, a consultant ENT surgeon who has a wealth of informative videos.

Recovery from an adenoidectomy typically takes about one to two weeks. Most children can go home on the same day as the surgery, and they will be monitored in recovery until they are awake and able to breathe, swallow, and talk. During the recovery period, it’s common for children to experience a sore throat, earache, vomiting, or an upset stomach within the first 24 hours, as well as a fever in the initial days post-surgery. Noisy breathing, bad breath, and difficulty swallowing may also occur, but these symptoms usually resolve with time.

To support your child's recovery, here are some general tips, though always follow the specific advice given by your child's surgical team:

1. Keep your child home from school or nursery for at least a week to allow for proper healing.

2. Avoid crowded places and smoke-filled environments to reduce the risk of infection.

3. Offer soft or cool foods like yogurt, ice cream, cooled soup, and mashed potatoes to ease discomfort.

4. Steer clear of spicy or acidic foods, such as lemons or oranges, which can irritate the throat.

5. Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, as this is crucial for healing.

6. Use paracetamol or ibuprofen as advised to manage any pain.

It’s important to note that aspirin should never be given to children under 16 unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.

While adenoidectomy is generally a safe and routine procedure, there are some risks involved, as with any surgery. These may include bleeding at the surgical site (which very rarely may require another operation), infection (treatable with antibiotics), a reaction to the anesthetic, changes in voice (which typically settle within weeks), persistent symptoms, and in very rare cases, regrowth of the adenoids.

After the surgery, it’s essential to know when to seek medical help. Contact your GP if your child experiences severe or worsening pain, develops a fever after three days post-surgery, struggles to drink fluids, or has a stiff neck. Seek emergency care if there is excessive bleeding from the mouth or nose, or if your child vomits blood or dark material resembling coffee grounds.

In summary, an adenoidectomy is a quick and effective procedure that can alleviate problems caused by enlarged adenoids. It can help your child breathe more easily, sleep better, and reduce the frequency of infections. Most children recover quickly and enjoy improved health as a result.

For more information, please visit trusted sources, which I have included in the description box of this video. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. Feel free to like the video, share it, or leave feedback in the comments section below to share your experiences. Until next time, take care!