The procedure is done while the person is under general anesthesia (asleep, no pain).

The surgeon inserts a small instrument into the mouth to hold it open. The adenoid tissue is removed, either by cutting it out or gently burning it (a procedure called cauterization). Bleeding is controlled with packing and cauterization.

Adenoidectomy may be recommended when:

• Enlarged adenoids are blocking the airway, which may be suspected if the child:
  • Has trouble breathing through the nose (nasal obstruction )
  • Has episodes of not breathing during sleep (sleep apnea )
  • Snores a lot
• The child has chronic ear infections that:
  • Continue despite antibiotic treatment
  • Interfere with education
  • Occur 5 or more times in a year
  • Occur 3 or more times a year during a 2-year period

Adenoidectomy may also be recommended if a child has chronic or repeated tonsillitis .

The adenoids normally shrink as the child reaches adolescence. Adults rarely need this procedure.

Risks for any anesthesia are:

• Reactions to medications
• Breathing problems

Risks for any surgery are:

• Bleeding
• Infection

The patient remains in the recovery room after surgery until awake and able to cough, swallow, and breathe easily. Most patients are allowed to go home several hours later.

After the procedure, most children have an easier time breathing through the nose. They also have fewer and milder sore throats and ear infections.

In rare cases, adenoid tissue that has been removed may grow back, but this usually does not cause a problem.

Complete recovery takes about 1 week. While healing, the child may have a stuffy nose, nasal drainage, and a sore throat. Soft foods and cool drinks may help relieve throat discomfort.

Wetmore RF. Tonsils and adenoids. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 380.