Adenoid Surgery

• What are adenoids?
• Adenoids are small glands in the throat at the back of the nose. They are there to fight germs.
• Do we need them?
• The body can still fight germs without your adenoids. It is removed only if they are doing more harm than good.
• Why take them out?
• Sometimes children have adenoids so big that they have a blocked nose, so that they have to breathe through their mouths. They snore at night. Some children even stop breathing for a few seconds while they are asleep. The adenoids can also cause ear problems by blocking the tube which joins the nose to your ear.
  

  If we are taking adenoids out because of ear problems, we may put in grommets at the same time. If your child has sore throats or stops breathing at night it is a good idea to take their tonsils out at the same time.

• How is the operation done?
• Your child will be asleep for the operation. The adenoid is removed through the mouth.
• How long will my child be in hospital?
• Adenoid surgery is done as a day case. Children need about a week off nursery or school.
  They should rest at home away from crowds and smoky places. Stay away from people with coughs and colds.
• What to expect after the surgery?
• Some children feel sick after the operation. This settles quickly. A small number of children find that their voice sounds different after the surgery. It may sound like they are talking through their nose a little. This settles quickly. The child’s nose may seem blocked up after the surgery, but it will clear in a few days.
  If the throat feels a sore painkillers can be administered for the first few days. Provide normal food. Eating food will help the throat to heal. Chewing gum may also help the pain.
  The child may have sore ears. This is normal. It happens because the throat and ears have the same nerves. It does not mean that your child has an ear infection.