What is Adenoid Surgery?

Adenoid surgery is a procedure that removes the adenoid glands. These are small lumps of tissue that sit behind the nose above the roof of your mouth and are usually removed when your tonsils are removed. They are a part of your immune system and are designed to help you fight against infections and protect your body from bacteria and viruses.

Only children have adenoids. At the age of 3, the adenoids are usually at their largest. Once a child grows to age 7, they usually shrink in size to around half. During the early teenage years, the adenoids will have shrunk so much that they are barely visible. Once a child reaches their late teenage years, they will eventually disappear.

When do adenoids need to be removed?

Adenoids only need to be removed when they are swollen or enlarged. This often happens as a result of an infection, or via a substance that causes an allergic reaction in your child. Swollen adenoids usually cause discomfort in your child and it’s not enough to warrant surgery. However, some children may find that it causes a lot of annoyance and can even interfere with their daily activities.

If your child suffers from the following issues, then it would be wise to consult a doctor about adenoid surgery:

• Sleeping difficulties – If your child has trouble sleeping at night, then it could be an issue with their adenoid glands. This can start with just snoring but can develop into sleep apnea, which is irregular breathing during sleep and tiredness throughout the day. It would be best to contact a certified otolarygonologist, or ear nost and throat doctor, if this is the case to diagnose the issue.
• Ear infections – If ear infections and glue ear (sticky fluid filling the ear) are common for your child, then you’ll want to notify your doctor to see if it’s a problem with their adenoid glands.
• Breathing issues – Your child will find it difficult to breathe and may experience a dry mouth if their adenoid glands are causing issues with their daily life.

What does adenoid surgery involve?

As mentioned before, adenoid surgery typically occurs at the same time as tonsil surgery. An ENT surgeon will carry out the procedure and it usually takes around half an hour. Your child will need to wait until the anesthesia wears off before being able to return home (usually an hour or two).

Your child will be put under general anesthesia so they won’t feel any pain. Their mouth will be propped open to locate the adenoids. Once found, the surgeon will remove them by scraping away with a curette. Alternatively, the ENT surgeon might also use a diathermy instrument to apply heat to burn the adenoids. Once removed, cauterization might be used to stop the bleeding, or a pack made out of gauze will be applied to the skin of the mouth.

Once the bleeding has stopped, the procedure is finished and your child can start to recover.