Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 11/24/2009
The primary methods used to determine whether adenoids need removal are:
- medical history
- physical examination
- throat bacterial cultures
- x rays
- blood tests
When the patient arrives at the hospital...
or the day-surgery unit, a nurse or a doctor will ask questions concerning the patient's general health to make sure he or she is fit to undergo surgery. They will also check that the patient has not had anything to eat or drink and will record pulse and blood pressure. The doctor or nurse must be informed if the patient has had any allergic or unusual reactions to drugs in the past. The patient will be asked to put on a hospital gown and to remove any loose orthodontic braces, false teeth, and jewelry. In the past, an adenoidectomy usually called for an overnight stay in hospital. However, it is increasingly more common to have this operation on an outpatient basis, meaning that the patient goes home on the same day. The surgery is usually performed early in the morning to allow a sufficient observation period after the operation.
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Using graphic animation, this video shows the step by step process for removing tonsils and adenoids, including these anatomical structures that are located in the throat.
Patient's mouth is held open with tubes (A). A mirror is used to visualize the adenoids during the procedure (B). The adenoids are removed with a side-to-side or front-to-back motion (C). Bleeding is controlled with a cauterizing tool (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)
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Other Information
Adenoidectomy is the surgical removal of the adenoids. They may be removed for several reasons, including impaired breathing through the nose and chronic infections or earaches. The surgery is common. It is most often done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Post-operative pain is generally minimal and prevented with an abundance of icy or cold foods, though dairy foods such as ice cream should be avoided, as they coat the back of the throat, encouraging the body to produce phlegm, which can interfere with healing. The procedure can sometimes be combined with a tonsillectomy if needed. Recovery time can range from several hours to two or three days (though as age increases so does recovery time).
Adenoidectomy is often performed on children aged 1-6, as adenoids help the body's immune system. Adenoids become vestigial organs in adults.
Other Information
ENT surgeons diagnose and treat conditions of the ears, nose, throat, head and neck, and undertake some cosmetic procedures.
-Dr David Luff
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