An adenoidectomy is usually performed by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon. The operation is quick and carries very few risks.
Before the operation
If your child has had a cold or sore throat in the week before the operation, it is important to let your ENT surgeon know. The adenoidectomy may have to be postponed for a few weeks to ensure that your child has fully recovered and to reduce their risk of developing any complications as a result of the surgery.
How long will an adenoidectomy take?
An adenoidectomy usually takes 15-30 minutes.
Adenoidectomies are normally carried out as day cases and your child will usually only need to stay in hospital for a few hours after the operation before being allowed to go home.
However, if your doctor feels it is necessary, or if your child has not fully recovered, they may need to stay in hospital overnight.
How are the adenoids removed?
An adenoidectomy is carried out under general anaesthetic, so your child will be asleep during the procedure and will not feel any pain.
A special instrument is used to prop open your child's mouth, giving the surgeon access to your child's throat. Once the surgeon has located the adenoids, they will be removed, either by being scraped away using an instrument known as a curette, or by applying heat using a diathermy instrument. A diathermy instrument produces high-frequency electrical currents that emit heat waves.
After your child's adenoids have been removed, the diathermy instrument may be used to seal the broken blood vessels and help stop the bleeding. A pack made out of gauze (thin, loosely woven cloth used for dressings) will then be applied to the skin, to make sure the bleeding stops. The pack can then be removed and the operation is complete.
Tonsils
If your child has had severe or frequent bouts of tonsillitis (when the tonsils become infected with a virus or bacteria), your child's ENT surgeon may recommend removing their tonsils at the same time as removing their adenoids. This means your child will only need to have one procedure, reducing the risk of complications.
Find out more information about tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils).
When the tonsils are removed at the same time as the adenoids, it is known as an adenotonsillectomy. The operation is a quick procedure and carries very few risks.
Grommets
If your child has had glue ear as a result of their enlarged adenoids, a grommet insertion may also be carried out at the same time as an adenoidectomy.
Grommets are very small ventilation tubes inserted into your child's ear through a very small cut in their eardrum. They help drain away any fluid that builds up in the middle ear.
