Adenoid Surgery :

HOW ARE ENLARGED ADENOIDS DIAGNOSED ?

Enlarged adenoids are diagnosed through a complete examination of the ear, nose, and throat by a doctor. The specialist may ask about the patient's medical history, such as repeated ear infections, sore throat, and sleep issues. To accurately diagnose the condition, certain X-rays such as a lateral radiograph of the neck may be necessary.

INDICATIONS OF ADENOID SURGERY / WHO REQUIRES AN ADENOIDECTOMY ?

Adenoid surgery is performed when the adenoid glands are enlarged and partially obstruct the airway, resulting in various complications. This procedure is most commonly performed in children. Some indications of Adenoidectomy are:

• Trouble breathing: The individual may have difficulty breathing due to the enlarged adenoids, leading to mouth breathing or snoring.
• Trouble sleeping: Poor breathing can result in sleep apnea, causing the individual to have difficulty sleeping.
• Repeated ear infections: Frequent ear infections or the presence of fluid in the ear may necessitate Adenoidectomy.
• Repeated sinus infections: If an individual suffers from recurrent sinus infections, Adenoidectomy may be required.

ADENOID SURGERY PROCESS

Preparing a child for surgery can be challenging, which is why it's important to follow the instructions given by your healthcare team. Here are some common instructions to keep in mind:

• Avoid certain medications like aspirin and ibuprofen
• Inform the specialist about any drug history.
• Stop eating and drinking a few hours before the surgery.
• Do not chew gum, cough drops, or hard candy before the surgery as it may delay the procedure.
• Inform your healthcare team about any symptoms like cold, flu, or other respiratory infections.
• Discuss the anesthesia details with the surgeon and voice out any concerns you may have before the surgery day.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE ADENOID SURGERY ?

During an adenoid surgery, the procedure typically lasts between 30 to 45 minutes, and it is done under general anesthesia while the individual is entirely asleep. The surgeon removes the adenoids through the oral cavity or mouth.

This process of removal is either done through carefully cutting the enlarged or infected adenoids using various surgical instruments or by using certain special tools that apply heat or radio frequency energy to cut the infected or enlarged adenoids.

After the adenoids are removed, dissolvable stitches are used to prevent bleeding. The procedure is performed similarly in both children and adults. An adenoidectomy may also be done at the same time as a tonsil removal, also known as adenotonsillectomy.

COMPLICATIONS OF ADENOID SURGERY

1. Infection
2. Mild pain
3. An adverse reaction to anesthesia
4. Excessive bleeding (very rare)
5. Permanent or temporary changes in vocal quality.

It's important to note that the risk of experiencing any of these complications is low, and your doctor will take steps to minimize the risk as much as possible. If you have any concerns or questions about the procedure, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.

CHANCES OF RECURRENCE

It is possible for adenoids to regrow after surgery if any remnants are left behind during the procedure, but this is a rare occurrence, affecting less than 25% of patients.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE PROCEDURE

• Adenoid removal is not a complicated surgery, and patients can be discharged on the same day.
• In rare cases, patients may be asked to stay overnight after the procedure.
• Some temporary symptoms that patients may experience immediately after the procedure include feeling sick, having a blocked nose, a sore throat and ears, a temporary change in voice that may sound like talking through the nose, and bad breath (halitosis).

After undergoing adenoid surgery, the recovery period usually lasts for about two weeks. It is essential to follow all the instructions provided by your healthcare team to ensure a smooth recovery process. During this time, it's important to keep some things in mind:

• Children should not attend school or nursery for about a week to allow proper rest and recovery.
• Pain can be managed by taking painkillers as prescribed by the doctor.
• Encourage the patient, especially children, to resume their healthy eating habits as soon as possible.
• Ensure that the patient consumes enough fluids to stay hydrated.

HOW TO CHOOSE A SURGEON AND HOSPITAL FOR ADENOID SURGERY ?

When selecting a surgeon for adenoid surgery, there are several important factors to consider, including the surgeon's experience, training, certification, positive reviews, and references. It is also advisable to choose a hospital that is well-equipped with state-of-the-art technology and is easily accessible to minimize travel time. Additionally, speaking with individuals who have undergone treatment for the condition in question can provide valuable insights when making decisions about treatment or surgery options, leading to better outcomes.

Skedoc is here to assist you in finding information about the best ENT surgeons and hospitals, making it easier to select the right doctor for the right advice.

CONSEQUENCES OF DELAYING ADENOID SURGERY / ADENOIDECTOMY

Delaying adenoidectomy or adenoid surgery can have multiple consequences.

• Recurrent infections: Delayed surgery can lead to chronic (long-term) infections of the throat, ears, and sinusitis.
• Breathing difficulties: Enlarged adenoids can cause breathing difficulties as they obstruct the nasal passage.
• Sleep disturbances: Breathing disturbances can, in turn, lead to sleep disturbances like sleep apnea.
• Speech and language development issues: Long-term adenoid infection can affect speech development in children.