Pediatric Adenoidectomy

What is an adenoidectomy?

An adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the enlarged (ADENOID HYPERTROPHY) or chronically infected ADENOID (ADENOIDITIS).

When is adenoidectomy (removal of the adenoid) a consideration?

Your doctor may have sent you to an ear nose and throat specialist to be evaluated for removal of the adenoid, with symptoms of sinusitis or a history of ear infections. Some of the guidelines that we follow to consider an adenoidectomy are:

1. Chronic infection of the adenoid (sinusitis-like symptoms) despite adequate treatment

2. Adenoid hypertrophy (enlargement) causing mouth breathing, nasal blockage, snoring, and restless sleep

3. Recurrent ear infections

What is involved with removing the adenoid?

Every patient undergoing removal of adenoid tissue is first screened to ensure they are not at an increased risk of having HYPERNASAL speech (sounds like talking through the nose) following surgery. The surgery is done through the mouth under a general anesthetic. One technique used for removal uses a curette to remove the tissue behind the nose. Many times we use CAUTERY (removal with suction and heat) to perform the surgery, resulting in very little, or no blood loss. This surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. The surgery lasts about 20 minutes, and the doctor will talk with you immediately following the surgery.

Your child will be given specific instructions regarding activity, diet, and medications after surgery. Please follow instructions given to you by your physician and office staff, not friends, neighbors, and other interested individuals.

Please see ADENOIDITIS and ADENOID HYPERTROPHY, as well as Adenoidectomy post-op instructions for more information.

Here at Pediatric ENT we treat all of our patients with care and offer many services such as:

Or speak directly with one of our Pediatric ENT locations to find out more.