Adenoidectomy

Removal of adenoids is called adenoidectomy. This procedure is most often performed in kids. Removal of adenoids does not affect the immune system but may actually reduce the frequency of illnesses in some kids. The surgery is an out-patient setting performed under general anesthesia by an ENT surgeon. It takes around 30 minutes. Post surgery, your kid will be moved to the recovery ward for an hour, until the anesthesia has worn off.

PRE-OPERATIVE CARE: ENT surgeon performs blood tests, physical exam and checks kid's medical history to make sure the patient is in fine to go for the surgery. kid should stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other medications that increase the risk of bleeding. Several hours before the surgery, your kid will need to stop eating and drinking.

INTRA-PROCEDURE: Your kid will be given anesthesia to sedate him or her for the procedure, which typically lasts for 30 to 45 minutes. The kid's mouth will be propped open and once the adenoids are located, the surgeon will remove them by scraping them away with an instrument called a curette or by applying heat using a diathermy instrument which produces high-frequency electrical currents that burn the adenoids. Once the adenoids have been removed, the diathermy instrument may be used to stop the bleeding (cauterisation). There are no cuts to the skin and no visible scars. Once the procedure is over, your kid will be taken to a recovery room for close monitoring for the next few hours.

POST-OPERATIVE CARE: It is an outpatient procedure and your kid can go home, the same day. Your kid may experience a sore throat, and dehydration for two to three weeks after the surgery. To prevent dehydration your kid should drink excessive fluids. Do not eat or drink spicy, hot food or hot beverages. Ice creams, fruit juices, yogurt and soft cooked meals are most suggested.