Adenoid is lymphatic tissue located in the nasopharynx (at the junction of the nasal cavity and pharynx).
When is adenoid removal necessary?
A doctor may recommend surgical removal of the adenoid if the child has the following symptoms:
• persistent mouth breathing
• snoring caused by adenoids
• recurrent ear infections
• false teeth caused by adenoids
Adenoid removal surgery
The operation is usually performed as an outpatient surgery under general anaesthesia. Adenoid is removed orally in a child. The parent can stay with the child in the operating room until the child falls asleep. In the operating room, the parent must wear a protective gown and cap, which will be given to you before entering the operating room.
When a child wakes up from general anaesthesia, they may be restless and confused. A bloody discharge may come from the nose and mouth. Nausea and vomiting may also occur. In most cases, the child recovers from anaesthesia within 24 hours.
The postoperative period
• The patient remains for post-operative observation for about 3-6 hours, after which he can go home if they feel well.
• On the first days after the operation, the food should be a little softer and cooler. Avoid offering carbonated drinks.
• One week after the operation, a calmer regimen is recommended, avoiding a lot of running and jumping and hot procedures (bath, sauna, etc.)
• Snoring and nasal congestion may occur during the operation. The swelling usually goes away within a week. You can carefully blow the child’s nose as of the next morning, one side of the nose at a time. Strong sniffing can cause bleeding.
• An increase in body temperature up to 37.5ºC is normal.
• If the fever is higher than 38.0°C or the child complains of a sore throat, you can give them paracetamol (available over the counter).
• You can usually send your child to kindergarten or school a week after the operation.
NB! If the child starts bleeding from the nose or mouth, call an ambulance or go to Tallinn Children’s Hospital.
