Adenoidectomy

The adenoids are lymphatic tissue found behind the nose at the roof of the mouth. Their job is to help filter germs and bacteria that are entering the nose and mouth.

Find your ENT Request Appointment

Certain patients, especially children, can suffer from adenoids that have become chronically infected. This can lead to them becoming swollen or enlarged, which in turn can block the airway. Enlarged adenoids can cause breathing problems, ear infections, snoring, and sleep apnea. They can also lead to other symptoms such as chronic nasal drainage, sinus infections, and congestion. An adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the adenoids and help stop adenoid infections. The surgery is most often performed on children between the ages of one and seven.

How the Surgery is Performed

An examination of the adenoids is the first step in the treatment process. Your provider will use an x-ray or small camera inserted through the nose to have a closer look at the adenoids and check for swelling or enlargement. This will also allow the provider to determine the correct course of treatment.

If surgery is required, it will be performed on an outpatient basis using general anesthesia. Your surgeon will remove them by entering through the mouth. An electrical device may also assist with the surgery by heating the tissue and stopping bleeding. After the surgery is complete, most patients can return home that day.

Conditions Treated by an Adenoidectomy

An adenoidectomy removes the adenoids when they have become enlarged or swollen. By removing them, patients can find relief from conditions such as:

Chronic congestion
Chronic nasal drainage
Chronic ear infections
Sinus infections
Snoring
Ear infections
Sleep apnea

Your Adenoidectomy Experience

A consultation with one of our providers will be required before the surgery. This will ensure that the surgery is right for you or if another treatment method may be a better fit. The provider will examine the adenoids, discuss your symptoms, and review your medical history.

The first step in the surgical process will be general anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. An instrument will then be used to hold your mouth open for the duration of the surgery. The provider will remove the adenoids using a small tool, and an electric device may stop the bleeding. After you are awake, you can return home within a few hours.

Benefits of Adenoid Surgery

An adenoidectomy can help patients find permanent relief from chronic adenoid infections, enlargement, or swelling. These conditions can lead to unpleasant side effects that impact your life such as chronic sinus infections, congestion, and difficulty sleeping — all of which are more challenging to manage in children. It can also impact your ability to breathe and sleep easily.

Who is a Candidate for the Procedure?

Ideal candidates for an adenoidectomy are patients with enlarged, swollen, or infected adenoids that have led to other conditions or are impacting the quality of life. Most patients who require an adenoidectomy are children, but it can be performed on patients of all ages.

About SFENTA

SFENTA is one of South Florida’s top-rated providers for sinus care. Since our formation over 30 years ago, we’ve been providing patients with comprehensive care for the ear, nose, and throat.

Our goal is to provide patients with:

Patient-Centered Care

Our providers will develop a customized treatment plan to address your unique symptoms.

Continuity of Care

We believe in finding long-term relief for our patients, not just a short-term solution.

A Network of Highly Trained Physicians

With over 50 board-certified physicians, we’ve built an unrivaled provider network.

The Security of a Community Staple

Our staff has been helping patients in South Florida for over three decades, ensuring you can feel confident in the quality of your treatment.

FAQ

Since the procedure is commonly performed on children, what age is most common?

The child’s age will vary, but it’s most commonly performed between the ages of one and seven. The adenoids begin to shrink around the age of seven, which often eliminates the need for surgery.

How does the provider determine if surgery is necessary?

The provider will examine the adenoids using an x-ray or camera to determine if surgery would be the best form of treatment.