Details of Adenoidectomy

Adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure for removing a mass of infected adenoids located behind the nasal passages. The adenoids are lymphoid tissues found in the roof of the mouth near the tonsils to safeguard the immune system by producing antibodies that fight infections that enter through the mouth or nose. It is done on children and adolescents if adenoids do not vanish on their own.

• Large adenoids.
• Breathing difficulty.
• Loud snoring.
• Breathlessness while sleep.
• Hearing loss.
• Blocked, stuffy nose.
• Difficulty swallowing.

• Bacterial infection.
• Chronic inflammation of the adenoids.
• Dysfunction of the Eustachian tube.
• Chronic sinusitis.

1. Physical examination.
2. Blood tests.
3. An X-ray exam of the throat.
4. Sleep study.

This procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting and usually lasts an hour. After the patient is given general anaesthesia, a small tool is placed inside the mouth to keep it open. The palate is then retracted, and the surgeon locates the adenoids using a mirror. To remove the adenoid tissue, the surgeon will use a curette, a tool shaped like a spoon and Magill forceps. The gland can also be removed using radiofrequency energy or through electrocautery in which electricity is used to heat and dissolve the tissue, as well as close the remaining tissue to stop the bleeding. Another technique for adenoids removal is the use of a microdebrider. Instead of making an incision in the mouth, the surgeon would make an incision through the nose to remove the adenoid tissues.

1. Reactions to anesthetics.
2. Swelling.
3. Bleeding during surgery.
4. Bleeding during healing.
5. Infection.
6. A sore throat
7. Minor bleeding