Adenotomy (Removal of the Adenoids)
Content
Description
Adenotomy is the surgical removal of the pharyngeal tonsils.
The nasopharyngeal tonsils are part of the lymphatic system - during adolescence, these tonsils shrink.
If they are enlarged in childhood (forming adenoid vegetations), they can cause nasal congestion, frequent infections, snoring and breathing disorders during sleep.
Facts
- General anesthesia
- Hospitalization 1 - 3 days
- Procedure takes 30 minutes
- Healing takes 7 days
The nasopharyngeal tonsils are part of the immune system.
Adenoid vegetations (adenoids) are an excessive enlargement of the nasopharyngeal tonsils. As the immune system matures during adolescence, the nasopharyngeal tonsil also disappears. Therefore, children aged 3 - 8 suffer from adenoids.
The most common problems caused by adenoid vegetations include:
- Difficulty breathing through the nose and nasal speech (hoarseness)
- Recurrent middle ear infections
- Snoring and sleep apnea (stopping breathing during sleep)
The surgical removal of the nasopharyngeal tonsil is called an adenoidectomy. It is performed under general anesthesia and lasts about 30 minutes.
In addition to the classic method with surgical removal of the tonsil, endoscopic adenoidectomy (EAT) is used, in which the procedure is performed under the control of a camera (endoscope).
Immediately after the operation, bloody mucus from the nose may occur, and swelling persists for several days.
The child should not attend a group (kindergarten, school) for at least 7 days to avoid contact with respiratory infections, and should not play sports.
As for diet, no restrictions are necessary.
