Adenoidectomy

The adenoids are glands that are present on the roof of the mouth, just behind the nose. They are a major defense system for the babies and swells every time the child encounters an infection. But with recurrent infections, the glands bulge beyond repair and cause obstruction, difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in breathing, etc. Doctors will then decide to perform surgical removal of the adenoid glands, which is known as adenoidectomy.

How is Adenoidectomy done?

The child will be put ongeneral anesthesia before surgery and the surgeon will put a laryngoscope in the child’s mouth to keep it open and will remove the adenoid glands with the help of a curette. The surgeon may also use electrocautery to heat and remove the tissues and to stop bleeding.

Our ENT doctors perform adenoidectomy in a controlled surgical environment. The child will be kept in the recovery room post-surgery and will be discharged when he can breathe, cough, and swallow easily.

Who should go for Adenoidectomy?

Adenoiditis is a common infection that affects children between the age groups of 3-14 years and roughly one in ten children get affected by this inflammatory disease. The primary causes of adenoiditis are bacterial and viral infections. Children who are prone to recurrent infections of the tonsils and throat can get adenoiditis as well.

Doctors generally recommend adenoidectomy if the child suffers one or more of the following problems

• Excessive snoring owing to enlarged adenoids
• Recurring infections of the ear that don’t respond to antibiotics
• Repeated infections of the adenoid gland that doesn’t resolve with antibiotics.
• Excessive daytime sleeping and learning issues as a result of poor quality sleep