Adenoidectomy (child)
This webpage will give you information about an adenoidectomy.
If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant
health professional.
What are adenoids?
The adenoids are part of a group of lymphoid tissues (like the
glands in the neck or the tonsils) that help to fight off infection
from germs that are breathed in or swallowed (see figure 1).
The adenoids enlarge naturally in children at around the age of
three and usually shrink away again by the age of seven.
Large adenoids can result in a blocked or runny nose and may
make your child snore.If your child also has swollen tonsils, they
may stop breathing while they are asleep.
Figure 1 Breathing can be obstructed if the adenoids become
enlarged
What are the benefits of surgery?
The benefits of surgery are relief from a blocked or runny nose
and, for some children, better quality of sleep. It may also
improve the quality of your child’s voice and can help children
suffering from glue ear by reducing the risk of fluid collecting in
the middle ear.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
There are no other treatments for enlarged adenoids other than
to leave them alone and wait for the problem to go away. If your
child’s breathing is blocked during sleep, this can be serious and
you should not put the operation off.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic.
Your surgeon will remove the adenoids through your child’s
mouth. They will place a pack in the back of the nose until the
bleeding stops.
What complications can happen?
How soon will my child recover?
Your child should be able to go home the same day or the day
after.
They will need two weeks off school to avoid catching an
infection that could lead to bleeding. Most children make a good
recovery.
Summary
Enlarged adenoids is a common problem that usually does not need
treatment. For those children who suffer a very blocked nose or
disturbed sleep, an adenoidectomy should give them a better quality
of life.
Acknowledgements
Author: Miss Ruth Capper MD FRCS (ORL-HNS)
Illustrations: LifeART image copyright 2006 Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins. All rights reserved.
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO
Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
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The information should not replace advice that
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