Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Adenoidectomy

by Alice A. McCarthy, MBA
Definition

Adenoidectomy is the surgical removal of the adenoids. Adenoids are made of tissue located in the back of the nose near the throat. They are thought to be involved in developing immunity against infections in children.

Reasons for Procedure

Adenoidectomy is usually done to remove enlarged adenoids that are causing a blockage in the nasal passage. It may also be used to treat long-term sinus infections and recurrent ear infections.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have an adenoidectomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

  • A permanent change in voice
  • Adenoid tissue can sometimes re-grow
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Reaction to anesthesia

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

What to Expect
Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:

  • Order x-rays —to assess the size of the adenoids
  • Review your medicines—You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:
    • Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin)
    • Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Blood test
  • Physical exam of the tonsils, throat, and neck

Do not eat or drink anything six hours prior to the procedure.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia is used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the procedure.

Description of the Procedure

The adenoids will be surgically removed through the mouth. A scalpel or another type of tool will be used to remove the adenoid tissue. An electrical current can also be used. Sometimes, the adenoids are removed through the nose. Gauze packs will be placed at the site of the procedure to prevent bleeding.

Radiofrequency ablation is a type of procedure that uses heat to destroy tissue. It may be used to reduce the volume and size of adenoids. This method often has less bleeding. It also seems to cause less pain.

Immediately After Procedure

You will be monitored in a recovery room until the anesthesia wears off.

How Long Will It Take?

Less than 45 minutes

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. Pain after the procedure is not uncommon. Your doctor may prescribe pain medicine.

Average Hospital Stay

It may be possible to leave on the same day as the procedure. Your doctor may choose to keep you overnight if there are complications.

Post-procedure Care

Recovery will take 7-14 days. After the procedure, you may have:

  • Bad breath
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Ear or throat pain
  • Light bleeding
  • Nasal speech
  • Nasal stuffiness or drainage
  • Sore throat
  • Stiff or sore neck

To help relieve some discomfort and speed recovery:

  • Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions .
  • Avoid forceful nose blowing.
  • Avoid hot liquids.
  • Avoid swimming and rough or vigorous exercise.
  • Eat light meals of soft foods for the first several days.
  • Take pain medicine as needed.
  • Take prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection.
Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • A sudden increase in the amount bleeding from the mouth or nose (If your child is swallowing a lot, check the back of their throat with a flashlight to look for blood.)
  • Increased swelling or redness of eyes
  • Noisy or difficult breathing
  • Pain that cannot be controlled with the medicines you have been given
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, or any discharge from the nose or mouth
  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Uncontrolled nausea or vomiting

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Last reviewed: December 2010 by Elie Edmond Rebeiz, MD, FACS.

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