Adenoid Surgery (Adenoidectomy)

If both the child's tonsils are very large/chronically inflamed and the adenoids are blocking the airway, both procedures (Adenotonsillectomy) are performed together in the same session in about 30 minutes so that the child receives anesthesia at once. However, if the problem is only the adenoids, the tonsils are not touched.

The adenoid is a non-encapsulated, spongy lymphatic tissue and is removed by scraping. Although very rare, especially in children who have had surgery at a very early age (e.g., under 2-3 years old) and have a severe allergic background, there is a slight possibility that the remaining microscopic tissues may grow back (recurrence).

When the adenoid grows too large, it closes the opening of the "Eustachian Tube" that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx and ventilates the ear. Fluid (effusion) begins to accumulate in the airless middle ear, and the child starts turning the TV volume up too high and not hearing when called. During the surgery, small tubes are usually placed in the ear, the accumulated fluid is drained, and hearing improves instantly.

Surgeries where only the adenoids are removed (if the tonsils are not removed) are extremely painless and easy procedures. There is no incision on the skin; it is done through the mouth. Children are usually discharged on the day of the surgery and continue their normal lives (and feeding) cheerfully the next day.