Anadenoidectomyis a surgery to remove youradenoids.
They are a small patch of tissue that sits in the back of your throat behind your nose.
This mass of tissue is part of yourimmune system, which helps to fight germs that cause illness.
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Adenoids can become enlarged by the germs they catch.
They should return to normal size when healthy but can remain swollen.
This can cause problems that affect your breathing and how fluid drains from your ears.
When this occurs, removing them may be advised.
Having adenoids removed can be done alone or combined with atonsillectomy(surgery to remove your tonsils).
Enlarged adenoids is a common problem in children.
When adenoids swell in reaction to aninfection, they typically return to normal size when the infection ends.
However, they sometimes remain enlarged.
Enlarged adenoids do not always cause problems.
Asymptomatic adenoids do not have to be removed.
There is no standardized ideal age to remove adenoids.
The tissue begins to reduce in size after about age 5.
In most people, adenoids practically disappear by the time they become teens.
Is There Any Reason Not to Go Through With Adenoidectomy?
While your symptoms may align with those of swollen adenoids, an adenoidectomy is not always the best solution.
Generally, adenoidectomy surgery preparation involves the following.
A week before the surgery:
The night before the surgery,stop eating or drinking after midnight.
This includes drinking water.
On the day of surgery, only use daily medicine prescribed by your surgeon.
How Long Does Adenoidectomy Take?
An adenoidectomy usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes.
Most children can go home an hour or two after their surgery concludes.
Post-Op Adenoidectomy Supplies
Your child will likely go home around two hours after their surgery ends.
The timing for their release from the hospital or surgical center depends on how quickly they recuperate from anesthesia.
Pain relief and hydration are important aspects of post-op care.
Pain and discomfort are most intense in the day or two immediately after surgery, then begin to improve.
Postsurgical instructions generally advise waiting about five days after an adenoidectomy before returning to school or work.
Adenoidectomy Healing Complications
An adenoidectomy is considered a relatively safe surgery with a low rate of complications.
However, every surgery carries the risk of healing complications.
This may involve an office visit a few weeks after surgery.
It is important to attend any follow-up appointments even if your child seems to have healed without problems.
Summary
An adenoidectomy is usually done when adenoids become swollen and cause health problems.
This treatment is most often done in children under age 7.
Swollen adenoids become less of a problem with age.
These glands shrink and almost vanish by the time most people become teens.
An adenoidectomy is viewed as safe, with a good prognosis for most children.
It can often allow children to breathe better through their noses and get sounder sleep.
They are also likely to have fewer sore throats and ear infections.
Nemours KidsHealth.Adenoids and adenoidectomy.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Enlarged adenoids.
University of Florida Health.Adenoid removal.
Nationwide Children’s.Adenoid removal (adenoidectomy).
UC Davis Children’s Hospital.After tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy: home care information.
AboutKidsHealth.Adenoid surgery: caring for your child after the operation.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for children.
