Adenoid Removal (Adenoidectomy)

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KEY POINTS

• Adenoidectomy surgery is done to remove the adenoids. This procedure may be done to treat trouble with breathing or hearing, or to prevent sinus or ear infections.
• Ask your provider how long it will take to recover and how to take care of yourself at home.
• Make sure you know what symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them.

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What is an adenoidectomy?

An adenoidectomy is surgery done to remove the adenoids. The adenoids are high in the throat behind the nose and the roof of the mouth and cannot be seen without special equipment.

The adenoids help the body fight infections like colds. However, the body's ability to fight infection doesn’t change if they are removed.

When is it used?

Reasons for removing the adenoids are:

• To treat breathing problems, especially at night because of enlarged adenoids
• To treat hearing problems
• To prevent infections in the ears or sinuses, especially if you have frequent infections

Ask your healthcare provider about your choices for treatment and the risks.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

• Make plans for your care and recovery after you have the procedure. Find someone to give you a ride home after the procedure. Allow for time to rest and try to find other people to help with your day-to-day tasks while you recover.
• Follow your provider's instructions about not smoking before and after the procedure. Smokers may have more breathing problems during the procedure and heal more slowly. It is best to quit 6 to 8 weeks before surgery.
• You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of the procedure. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take. Some products may increase your risk of side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the procedure.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have any food, medicine, or other allergies such as latex.
• Your provider will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure. This helps to keep you from vomiting during the procedure.
• Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for any tests or procedures.

What happens during the procedure?

This procedure is usually done at an outpatient surgery center or at the hospital.

You will be given a general anesthetic to keep you from feeling pain. General anesthesia relaxes your muscles and puts you into a deep sleep.

Most often, your healthcare provider will use a device to keep your mouth open during the procedure. Then your provider will remove the adenoids from the surrounding tissues. Your provider may use stitches, a burning tool (cautery), a laser, or radio waves to help stop any bleeding. Adenoids may also be removed through the nose with a suction tool. Then your provider may use a burning tool or may pack your nose to stop any bleeding.

The surgery usually takes about 1 hour.

What happens after the procedure?

You may go home the same day as your surgery, or you may stay overnight in the hospital.

The device used to keep your mouth open during the operation may cause some temporary numbness or soreness in your tongue.

You will have a sore throat and be uncomfortable for about 7 to 10 days. It may hurt to swallow, so you may want to eat soft foods until you feel better.

As your throat heals and the scabs come off, your throat may bleed. If this happens, spit the blood out. Swallowing the blood may make you vomit, which can cause more damage to your throat after surgery.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Ask your provider:

• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:

• You may have problems with anesthesia.
• Your body may not get enough fluids if you are unable to swallow.
• You may have infection or bleeding.

Ask your healthcare provider how the risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.