Adenoidectomy is the removal of the adenoid pad- lymphoid (immune system) tissue at the very back of the nose.
This operation is predominantly done for children with a blocked nose. In general I try to treat children presenting with nasal obstruction with medications in the first place. But adenoidectomy may be considered particularly if these aren't successful.
Learn more:
Read about nasal obstruction here.
Adenoidectomy may also be performed in children requiring a second set of grommets. The adenoid is very close to the opening of the Eustachian tube and can block the tube opening as well as harbour bacteria which can go up the tube to infect the ear. It has been shown that removing the adenoid at the time of placing a second set of grommets can reduce the frequency of ear infections and the need for further grommet insertions.
It is more common for adenoidectomy to be done in combination with a tonsillectomy.
Learn more:
Read about adenotonsillectomy click here.
This operation is performed under general anaesthesia. The adenoid sits at the back of the nose and is difficult to assess in the clinic. At the time of the operation it can be felt behind the palate and if enlarged is removed using a special instrument.
Following an adenoidectomy, your child can usually go home the same day. There is a small risk of bleeding after the operation and so your child will be observed in the hospital for around 6 hours. You will be free to go home after that.
In contrast to a tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy alone is not a particularly painful operation. Regular pain relief with paracetamol is generally required in the first few days after the operation. rarely stronger pain relief may be required. I recommend you encourage your child to eat a normal dite as soon as possible after this surgery.
There is a small risk of bleeding in the two weeks after adenoidectomy. This is rare after adenoidectomy alone, probably in the order of 1 in 300 cases. In order to prevent this your child needs to avoid strenuous playing and running around, but otherwise they can return to normal day-to-day activities soon after the operation. You should keep them out of child care or school for at least 1 week. If your child coughs up more than a tablespoon of fresh blood then either call me or proceed directly to your nearest hospital emergency department.
For detailed post-operative instructions click here.
Usually I see you back around 4-6 weeks after the operation
We are currently in unchartered waters with the COVID-19 pandemic. At ENTSA we are, as always, committed to the health and wellbeing of our staff and our patients. Ear, nose and throat examinations and surgery however are considered extremely high risk for virus transmission and so we are making changes in our practice.
The current recommendations from the Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (ASOHNS) are:
As a result of this, our practice is changing. We are still here to care for new and existing patients. We have established a Telehealth system to enable continuity of care for existing patients and a ‘non-contact’ option for new patients to access an initial assessment and commencement of treatment.
Please call us to discuss Telehealth options on: (08) 7200 2539
We will still see some patients in the office however this will be limited to protect the health of you and our staff.
If you attend, we ask you to comply with the following: