Adenoids

What are adenoids?

Adenoids are positioned at the back of the nose. They grow in the first two years of life, and they shrink in size naturally at a variable rate. They usually regress by the age of 9. Adenoids are lymphoid tissue, and are part of the immune system. Removing the adenoids however does not prevent your body from fighting germs, as the adenoids only form a small part of ones immune system.

Why are adenoids removed?

The main indications for removing adenoids (adenoidectomy) are:

1.Blocked Nose secondary to large adenoids

Very large adenoids may cause blockage of the nasal airway. In these situations they may be partially responsible for loud snoring, or in severe cases can cause obstruction to the breathing (apnoea). Repeated episodes of sleep apnoea, of significant duration, is termed obstructive sleep apnoea. Obstructive Sleep apnea if left untreated has an effect on daily functioning, concentration and in the long-term may cause heart related problems.

2.Runny nose

Rarely adenoids can get chronically infected and give rise to a runny nose. However, there are commoner causes of runny nose in children than the aforementioned, and as such they need to be excluded and treated before adenoidectomy is recommended.

3.Ear & Hearing problems

The adenoids sit at the entrance of the Eustachian tube. Normal functioning of the Eustachian tube is important for the ventilation of the middle ear. In some situations, there is evidence that adenoidectomy improves the ventilation of the middle ear. It may therefore be performed at the same time as grommet insertion for glue ear in selected cases.

What does the operation involve?

The adenoids are removed under general anaesthesia. This is an extremely commonly performed operation.

What to expect following the operation

In Hospital

Immediately after the operation your child will experience the after effects of the anaesthetic, and may have a trickle of bleeding from their nose. When performed in isolation, adenoidectomy is not usually painful. Any pain is usually well controlled with simple pain killers.

If performed in isolation, or at the same time as grommet insertion then your child will be discharged on the same day.

If performed in conjunction with tonsillectomy then your child will be discharged the following day.

Once Home

Your child should avoid going back to school/nursery for 10 days after the operation. This is simply to reduce the chance of picking up an infection from others.

What are the complications of adenoidectomy?

This operation is performed very commonly, and complications are relatively uncommon. The main risk of surgery is bleeding. If you (or your child) experience any bleeding after surgery you must seek immediate medical advice.