What is adenoidectomy?

Adenoidectomy is surgery to remove the adenoids. These are small areas of tissue at the back of the nasal cavity and throat. They are made of the same tissue that forms the tonsils.

The doctor will do the surgery through your child's mouth.

Adenoids, along with the tonsils, may help fight infection. But it isn't harmful to have them removed. The body has many ways of fighting sickness. Children may have this surgery because they often have ear infections that don't get better with antibiotics. Or they may have problems breathing or sleeping. This surgery may help.

Adenoid removal (adenoidectomy) may help some children who have repeat ear infections or fluid behind the eardrum. Children younger than 4 don't usually have their adenoids taken out unless they have severe nasal blockage.

To treat chronic ear infections, experts recommend removing adenoids only after ear tubes and antibiotics have failed. Removing adenoids may improve air and fluid flow in nasal passages. This may reduce the chance of fluid collecting in the middle ear, which can lead to infection.

When used along with other treatments, removing adenoids can help some children who have repeat ear infections.

Surgery can be stressful for both your child and you. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your child's surgery.

Preparing for surgery

• Talk to your child about the surgery. Tell your child that it will help your child have fewer ear infections or to sleep better. Hospitals know how to take care of children. The staff will do all they can to make it easier for your child.
• Ask if a special tour of the surgery area and hospital is available. This may make your child feel less nervous about what happens.
• Plan for your child's recovery time. Your child may need more of your time right after the surgery, both for care and for comfort.
• Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• Tell the doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies your child takes. Some may increase the risk of problems during the surgery. Your doctor will tell you if your child should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it..

The day before surgery

• A nurse may call you (or you may need to call the hospital). This is to confirm the time and date of your child's surgery and answer any questions.
• Remember to follow your doctor's instructions about your child taking or stopping medicines before surgery. This includes over-the-counter medicines.

Activity

• Have your child rest when your child feels tired.
• Your child can do normal activities when it feels okay to do so.
• For about 7 days, keep your child away from crowds or people that you know have a cold or the flu. This can help prevent your child from getting an infection. You and your child should stay close to medical care for about 2 weeks in case there is delayed bleeding.
• Your child may bathe as usual.

Diet

• Your child can eat a normal diet. If your child's stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.
• If it is painful to swallow, start out with cold drinks, flavored ice pops, and ice cream. Next, try soft foods. Avoid hard or scratchy foods and other acidic foods that can sting the throat.
• Encourage your child to drink fluids to prevent dehydration and to make the throat more comfortable.

Medicines

• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask the doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, be sure your child takes them as directed. Your child should not stop taking them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.