Mr ENYI OFO
Consultant ENT, Head & Neck, Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgeon
BSc (Hons) MBBS (Lond) DO-HNS FRCS (ORL-NHS) PhD
Adenoid Surgery ( Adenoidectomy) in Children​
WHAT ARE ADENOIDS?
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Adenoids are small glands in the throat at the back of the nose, above the roof of the mouth. In children they can help fight infections, but usually shrink as children get older. Our bodies can fight infections without them.
WHY DO ADENOIDS CAUSE PROBLEMS?
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Adenoids cause problems in children because they sometimes become big and swollen. This can happen after an infection or allergic reaction, causing discomfort, and may interfere with daily living. For instance, an enlarged adenoid may cause a blocked nose, hence children resort to breathing through their mouths, causing dried cracked lips and dry a mouth.
Nasal obstruction from enlarged adenoids may cause children to experience problems sleeping such as snoring, and in some cases can stop children breathing temporarily at night (sleep apnoea). Children may also experience recurrent or persistent problems with ear infections where the middle ear becomes filled with fluid.
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REASONS FOR REMOVING ADENOIDS
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Adenoids are only removed if they cause more harm than good, and to resolve the problems highlighted above.
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WHAT IS INVOLVED DURING SURGERY?
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Adenoidectomy is carried out under general anaesthesia, as a day case procedure. The adenoids are removed either through the mouth or the nose, and any bleeding stopped before your child is woken up. The procedure itself lasts about 15 minutes, however your child will be monitored in the recovery department prior to arriving back on the ward.
Your child will be required to fast for up to six hours before the procedure, as fasting ensures that food eaten is not regurgitated back up into the lungs during surgery.
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ALTERNATIVES TO ADENOID SURGERY
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Adenoid glands get smaller as we grow older, so you may find that nose and ear problems begin to settle over time, however surgery ensures these problems are resolved more quickly. For some children, it may be beneficial in the short term to use a steroid nasal spray to help with managing nasal congestion.
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RISKS OF ADENOID SURGERY
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Adenoid surgery is a simple and safe procedure however all operations carry a small risk of
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Infection
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Bleeding
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Minor regurgitation (fluid coming out of the nose) especially if adenoids were large
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Temporary change in your child’s voice
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Chance that it may grow back.
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AFTER THE PROCEDURE
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Adenoid glands get smaller as we grow older, so you may find that nose and ear problems begin to settle over time, however surgery ensures these problems are resolved more quickly. For some children, it may be beneficial in the short term to use a steroid nasal spray to help with managing nasal congestion.