Adenoidectomy
The adenoids are a pad of tissue located behind the back of the nose in the throat. They cannot be seen by looking into the mouth. Adenoids can become enlarged and block the eustachian tube or the nasal airway. Adenoids can also become a reservoir for bacteria. The primary reasons for adenoidectomy are these:
Enlarged adenoids can block the nasal airway and lead to mouth breathing and snoring. Adenoidectomy restores the nasal airway and allows the child to breathe through the nose properly.
Chronic otitis media
The adenoid pad can block the eustachian tube and/or allow bacteria to enter the eustachian tube and lead to ear infections. Recent research studies have shown that adenoidectomy may be effective in addition to ear tube insertion in the treatment of chronic otitis media.
Preoperative care
No aspirin, ibuprofen or Pepto Bismol for two weeks prior to or two weeks after surgery. Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol, Tempra, Panadol) may be given. Please notify your doctor if there is a family history of bleeding tendencies or if the child tends to bruise easily.
The surgery
Adenoidectomy is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. The surgery takes 20-30 minutes and the child remains at the hospital for 1-2 hours afterwards.
Postoperative care
Most children are back to normal within 24 hours of the surgery. Some children take a few days to recover. Increased snoring or nasal congestion is normal and is caused by swelling in the back of the nose. Bad breath is also normal and is caused by the scabs that form after surgery. Snoring, congestion and bad breath should be gone by 10-14 days after surgery.
Pain and fever
Most children have little postoperative pain. Some children experience a sore throat, headache or ear pain for a few days which is usually relieved with acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®). A low-grade temperature is normal for a few days after surgery. Please call the office if the temperature is over 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some children may experience nausea, vomiting or fatigue from the general anesthetic. This should resolve within a few hours. Please call the office if nausea and vomiting persists for 6-12 hours.
Diet
Begin with a clear liquid diet; progress to a light diet, and then to a normal diet as the child feels like eating. Your doctor will notify you of any diet restrictions.
Activity
Normal activities may be resumed as soon as the child feels up to it.
Bleeding
There should be no bleeding from the mouth or nose after surgery. If there is any bleeding from either the mouth or nose, bring the child to the Emergency Room for evaluation.
Follow-up
Your surgeon's nurse will call your home 3 weeks after surgery to assess your child's recovery. If there are problems or questions before that time, please call the office.