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:
Nasal obstruction
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 PE 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 may experience a sore throat or headache for a few days. Acetaminophen
(Tylenol, Tempra, Panadol, the dose determined by your doctor) ml of 80mg/1/2
teaspoon solution (__ mg) should be given every 4 hours including waking up your
child for the first 24 - 48 hours. Thereafter, it can be used every 4 hours as
needed for pain. A low-grade temperature is normal for a few days after surgery.
Please call the office if the temperature is over 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nausea and vomiting
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.