Adenoid removal

Definition

Adenoid removal is surgery to take out the adenoid glands. These glands are located between the airway you breathe into through your nose and the back of your throat. Often, adenoid removal is done at the same time as a tonsillectomy, surgery to remove the tonsils. Adenoid removal is also called adenoidectomy.

Most adenoidectomies are done on children.

Alternative Names

Adenoidectomy; Removal of adenoid glands

Description

Your child will be given general anesthesia before surgery. This means they will be unconscious and unable to feel pain.

• The surgeon will insert a small instrument into your child's mouth to prop it open.
• The surgeon will remove the adenoid glands with a curette (a spoon-shaped medical device) or a microdebrider (a medical device used to cut away soft tissue).
• Some surgeons may cauterize the adenoids (seal the tissue using a heated device) instead of removing them.
• Bleeding will be controlled with packing material, which will absorb blood, and with cauterization.

Your child will stay in the recovery room after surgery until they are awake and can breathe easily, cough, and swallow. Most patients can go home several hours after this surgery.

Risks

Risks for any anesthesia are:

• Reactions to medicines
• Breathing problems

Risks for any surgery are:

• Bleeding
• Infection