Adenoidectomy

Adenoidectomy, commonly known as adenoid removal, is a common surgery to take out the adenoids. The adenoids are glands found in the mouth roof, just behind the soft palate, where the nose meets the throat. 

Whereas adenoids aid in protecting the body against bacteria and viruses, they can swell, enlarge, or get severely infected. Allergies, infections, and other factors may be the cause. However, other children are born with excessively big adenoids.

Surgical removal of the adenoid glands is typically necessary. Adenoidectomy surgeries are often performed on children between the ages of one and seven. The adenoids usually begin to diminish by the age of seven, thus considered a vestigial organ in adulthood (remain without a purpose). 

Why the Adenoids Removal is Important 

If the adenoids enlarge in a child, they can partially block the airway, causing various complications. Children may experience breathing difficulties, infection of the ear, or other problems as a result of this. With time, it can result in snoring or more severe diseases, including sleep apnea (a situation where breathing stops) during the night. 

Nasal discharge, sinus infections, and congestion can all occur in chronic or long-term cases. Adenoids that are enlarged can as well influence the recurrence of ear infections and persistent fluid in the ear. Both of these can cause temporary loss of hearing.

Adenoid removal is thus necessary to prevent such complications. Doctors can sometimes conduct adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy (tonsil removals) at the same time. Infection and inflammation in the two glands are common after chronic throat and respiratory illnesses.

Determining if the Child Requires an Adenoidectomy 

Consult the doctor if you think that your child has a problem with his or her adenoids due to breathing problems, ear infections, or recurring sinus infections. The doctor will inspect the child's adenoids using an x-ray technique or a small camera implanted in his or her nose after getting a health history. 

The doctor may also propose the removal of the child's adenoids based on his or her symptoms and the appearance of enlarged adenoids. The signs and symptoms that may occur from swollen adenoids blocking the air passage include; 

• Sore throat 
• Swallowing difficulties 
• Frequent infection of the ear 
• Regular breathing through the mouth 
• Difficulty breathing via the nose 
• Obstructive sleep apnea involving periodic breathing lapses while asleep 

How to Prepare Your Child for Adenoidectomy 

Usually, the mouth and throat tend to bleed more easily than other parts of the body. Hence, the doctor can order a blood test to see if the baby’s blood clots properly and whether the red and white blood counts are within normal range. The child's doctor can use preoperative blood testing to make sure that there will be no significant bleeding during or after the treatment.

Avoid giving your child blood-thinning medications, like ibuprofen and aspirin, a week before undergoing surgery. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used to relieve discomfort. However, you should consult your doctor if you're not sure about the right medication for you or your child.

After midnight on the day prior to surgery, you or the child should avoid eating or drinking anything. This also includes drinking water. If the child needs to take medication before the procedure, give them only a small sip of water.

How is Adenoidectomy Performed?

An adenoidectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia, which is a drug that induces deep slumber. This is normally conducted as an outpatient procedure, meaning that your child will be able to return home the same day. 

Often, the adenoids are taken out via the mouth. The procedure involves inserting a small tool into the mouth to propping it open. The surgeon will then take out the adenoids through a minor incision or cauterization. This includes sealing the region with a hot device. 

The surgeon will control and manage bleeding during and after the procedure by cauterizing the region and packing it using absorbent material, like gauze. In most cases, stitches are rarely used. 

The child will remain in a recovery room till he or she wakes up following the surgery. They will also be given medicine to help with pain, discomfort, and swelling. Typically, your child will be discharged from the hospital the same day as the procedure. An adenoidectomy normally takes about one to two weeks to recover from fully. 

What Happens After Adenoidectomy? 

It's normal to have a painful throat for two to three weeks following adenoidectomy removal. To prevent dehydration, it's critical to drink plenty of water or fluids. Proper hydration can as well help with pain relief. 

For the first few weeks, avoid giving your child too hot or spicy foods, as well as hard and crunchy meals. On the other hand, desserts and cold liquids could help your child's throat feel better.

Even as your child's throat is hurting or sore, a healthy diet and drinks are essential. They can include water, ice cream, fruit juice, yogurt, sherbet, apple sauce, pudding, and softly cooked vegetables and meat. 

An ice collar might be helpful in relieving discomfort and swelling. Place ice cubes in a resealable plastic bag and wrap the bag in a towel to create an ice collar. Put the collar on the front part of the neck. 

After surgery, your child has to keep off intense activities for at least a week. If they feel well enough and have the doctor’s permission, kids can go back to school in three to five days.

Complications of Adenoidectomy 

Adenoid removal surgery is typically safe, with a few risks of complications in healthy youngsters. The following are some of the potential side effects and dangers that might occur during or after an adenoidectomy; 

• Excess bleeding (rare)
• Permanent changes in voice quality
• Infection
• The adverse reaction of anesthesia 
• Sore throat 
• Fever 
• Swallowing problems 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Pain in the ear 
• Consult the doctor immediately if you notice your child bleeding from the mouth or the nose after the removal of the adenoid. 
• Inability to address underlying respiratory issues, ear infections, or nasal drainage

Adenoidectomy in Adults 

Just like children, adults should also worry about adenoids as they can develop disorders associated with adenoid infection. Therefore, adults should undergo adenoidectomy if;

• The ear is sore or hurts 

Adenoids that are inflamed hinder the passage of air via the nose. The eustachian tube and middle ear might become infected as a result of the blockage. Middle ear infections result in excruciating pain and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Ear infections are more common in children, but they can also affect adults. When antibiotics are ineffective, the doctor may recommend adenoidectomy for adults. 

• You experience breathing difficulties 

Inflamed adenoids can grow to the size of a ping pong ball. Swelling in adults decreases over time. However, in rare cases, the swelling can persist. Because the adenoid is swollen, it limits breathing, resulting in stuffy noses as well as nasally speech. If medicinal treatment does not improve breathing, adenoidectomy could be the next step.

• You have poor sleep quality 

Sleep apnea can sometimes occur due to the infected adenoids. Inflamed adenoids hinder the use of oxygen when the throat muscles relax while sleeping. Sleep apnea may also be a result of major illnesses such as hypertension and heart disease. 

• The medical provider suspects a tumor 

Adenoids can cause a lump that might be malignant in rare circumstances. Doctors can therefore conduct an adenoidectomy if there is a mass in the adenoids. The lump will then be tested for lymphoma or other disorders in a medical lab. 

• You have tonsils problems 

When a person's tonsils are constantly infected, it could be a sign of infected adenoids. Breathing can be twice as complex when the tonsils and adenoids are enlarged together. Doctors may suggest a treatment that combines a tonsillectomy with an adenoidectomy.

Adenoidectomy Outlook 

If the enlarged adenoids cause breathing difficulty, swallowing problems, or recurring ear infections, they may need to be removed. In most cases, the operation is both safe and successful among children. 

Before deciding on adenoid removal, there are a few things to think about. According to new research, removing a child's tonsils or adenoids may raise their chance of getting respiratory, infectious, or allergy issues later in life.

As with any surgery, adenoidectomy is associated with a small risk of infection or other problems. Sometimes, adenoids may regrow following surgery; however, this is uncommon. 

The majority of minors who have their adenoids removed recover without any prolonged health problems. However, parents and caregivers should consult with a doctor about the procedure's benefits and complications before proceeding.

Conclusion

Adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the adenoid glands. The adenoid glands form part of the body's immune system and help defend the body from bacteria and viruses.

The adenoidectomy procedure, along with the removal of tonsils, is one of the most common surgeries performed on children. If your child's swollen adenoids are bothering him or her and aren't responding to medication, an adenoidectomy may be recommended.