Adenoidectomy
Adenoids sit behind the nose and are normally largest in early childhood. When they block the airway they cause mouth breathing, snoring, disturbed sleep and repeated ear problems, and children are often tired and inattentive at school as a result.
- No external incision
- About 20 to 30 minutes
- Usually home the same day
- Often combined with grommets or tonsillectomy
Stay
Day care or one night
Duration
About 20 to 30 minutes
Anaesthesia
General
About Adenoidectomy
The adenoids are removed through the mouth, so there is no external wound. Surgery is considered where enlargement causes persistent nasal obstruction, disturbed sleep, or recurrent glue ear. Adenoids shrink naturally with age, so the decision weighs how much disruption they are causing now against that natural resolution.
- Removed through the mouth, with no external wound
- Adenoids shrink naturally with age
- Often combined with grommet insertion for glue ear
- Recovery is quicker than after tonsillectomy
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about adenoidectomy. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest adenoidectomy.
- Persistent nasal blockage and mouth breathing
- Snoring with disturbed sleep or pauses in breathing
- Recurrent glue ear affecting hearing
- Repeated ear infections
- Chronic sinus problems in children
- Nasal speech due to blockage
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Assessment
Examination, often with a nasal endoscope, and a hearing test where ear problems are part of the picture.
Surgery
Under general anaesthesia, the adenoids are removed through the mouth. Grommets are inserted at the same time if needed.
Recovery
Children wake within a short time and can usually drink soon after. Most go home the same day.
Follow-up
Breathing and sleep usually improve within days. Hearing is rechecked where grommets were inserted.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Fasting as instructed, usually six hours for food and two for clear fluids
- Postpone if the child has a fever or active chest infection
- Bring the immunisation card and any regular medication
- Bring a comfort item, as it helps considerably at induction
- Arrange two or three quiet days at home afterwards
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Most children return to normal activity within two to three days
- Mild throat discomfort and bad breath for a few days is common
- Encourage fluids, and normal diet as soon as the child wants it
- Snoring and mouth breathing usually improve within a week
- Return for bleeding from the nose or mouth, or fever
Why choose Humayun for adenoidectomy
Adenoid surgery in children is judged on whether sleep and hearing actually improve.
- Endoscopic assessment before surgery rather than deciding from symptoms alone
- Hearing tested beforehand, since glue ear frequently accompanies large adenoids
- Grommets inserted in the same anaesthetic where needed, avoiding a second procedure
- Paediatric anaesthesia by staff who anaesthetise children regularly
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