Adenoidectomy

The adenoid is a tissue located between the nose and the throat, with a structure resembling a bunch of grapes. The function of the adenoids is to catch microbes, viruses, bacteria, etc., that may enter through the nose and to produce antibodies that will help the body fight against such microbes. Surgery is generally recommended for frequently recurring adenoid inflammations. The state of falling ill frequently also ends after the adenoids are removed. This is because the adenoid is not the only tissue undertaking this task in the body. Since other tissues also fight microbes like the adenoids do, removing the adenoids will not create a negative situation.

How is an Inflamed Adenoid Diagnosed?

An enlarged and inflamed adenoid manifests itself through certain symptoms. We can list these symptoms as follows;

• Constant mouth breathing
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Snoring during sleep
• Speaking nasally as if the nose is blocked
• Holding the breath for a few seconds or longer during sleep, known as sleep apnea

If a child has one or more of these and similar conditions, it would definitely be beneficial to consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.

How is Adenoid Surgery Performed?

Adenoid surgery, also called adenoidectomy, is a procedure performed under general anesthesia. Since the child will be completely put to sleep, they will not even realize the surgery is happening. This procedure is completed in an average of 15-20 minutes. There is no skin incision during the surgery. Because the soft palate is stretched by the intubation tube inserted into the mouth during anesthesia to make the adenoid region visible, there may be pain for 10 days after the surgery.

An automatic retractor that separates the upper and lower teeth is inserted during the surgery. During this time, it is carefully examined to ensure there are no clefts in the mouth, palate, and lip areas. The soft tissue is lifted forward with the help of a probe. The adenoid is scraped off with instruments called adenotomes. However, care must be taken not to damage the openings of the eustachian tubes during this process. After the scraping process is finished, it is checked whether there is any bleeding. With this, the surgery is concluded.

Are There Risks in Adenoid Surgery?

Although the risk factor is very low after adenoid surgery, some complications can arise. For example, bleeding. Bleeding is a condition that can occur after surgery, albeit rarely. This situation can be prevented with a simple intervention. Bleeding is seen more frequently in adult patients compared to children. Another condition that may arise is a middle ear infection. This situation can occur if an infection in the area where the adenoids are located reaches the ear through the eustachian tube. However, this is quite rare.

The formation of stricture (narrowing) in the nasopharyngeal region can manifest itself with excessive mucosal damage. If the patient has an infection and adenoid surgery is performed, this situation may be encountered. This is again a very rarely occurring situation. As a result of a complication where the distance between the nasopharynx and the soft palate increases too much after the adenoid is removed, air may escape into the nose. Such a small risk exists, albeit rarely. Along with these, air may temporarily come from the nose due to decreased movement associated with palate pain after adenoid or tonsil surgery, and the palate muscles being out of use for a certain period. This condition generally resolves on its own within weeks. However, adenoid surgery is mostly a surgery that passes without any problems.

What is the Post-Operative Process for Adenoid Surgery?

Since adenoid surgery is performed under general anesthesia, there should be no oral feeding for the first 4 hours after the surgery. Hard and very hot foods should not be consumed within the first few days following the surgery. Mostly liquid foods; such as soup, ice cream, custard, milk, pudding, and fruit juice should be taken. A few drops of blood may come from the nostrils due to minor bleeding in the adenoid area. This is natural. However, if there is excessive bleeding from the mouth or nose, a specialist doctor must be consulted. The doctor will prescribe antibiotics if deemed necessary after the surgery. If there is pain after the surgery, classic painkillers should be used.

The use of ocean water (saline) is beneficial to prevent crusting and bacteria formation after surgery. This will also accelerate the healing process. Furthermore, when ocean water is not used, odors coming from the patient's nose and mouth can be noticed after the surgery. Especially, a post-operative odor due to radiofrequency applied during surgery for bleeding control may appear after a few days. But this condition is temporary and does not pose any danger. If bad breath increases day by day after the first week, the doctor who performed the operation must definitely be consulted.