Adenoidectomy

Adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure that entirely removes the adenoids, a patch of lymphoid tissue located behind the nose in the upper throat area called the nasopharynx.

Adenoids play a role in the immune system but can become enlarged or chronically infected, leading to breathing difficulties, recurrent ear infections, and other health problems.

When medical treatment is ineffective, adenoidectomy offers a reliable way to restore normal breathing, reduce infections, and improve quality of life.

Safe, Effective Adenoid Removal for Breathing and Sleep Issues

This surgery is often performed alongside tonsillectomy, but can be done alone when the adenoids are the primary source of symptoms.

It is considered a gold standard treatment for nasal obstruction and sleep apnea related to enlarged adenoids, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Clinical Practice Guideline (2019).

The procedure is outpatient, done under general anesthesia, and uses advanced tools like curettes, microdebriders, or coblation devices for safe, effective tissue removal.

What Problems Require Adenoidectomy?

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Adenoidectomy is recommended when enlarged or infected adenoids cause persistent health issues.

Common problems that indicate the need for this procedure include:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Enlarged adenoids can block the airway during sleep, causing interrupted breathing, snoring, restless sleep, and daytime tiredness or behavioral changes.
  • Chronic Nasal Obstruction: Difficulty breathing through the nose, persistent congestion, and mouth breathing often result from adenoid enlargement.
  • Recurrent Ear Infections or Fluid Buildup: The adenoids are near the openings of the Eustachian tubes, which help drain fluid from the middle ear. Enlarged adenoids can block these tubes, leading to ear infections or fluid accumulation (otitis media with effusion).
  • Chronic Rhinitis and Sinus Infections: Blocked nasal passages can increase susceptibility to sinusitis and persistent nasal inflammation.
  • Snoring and Poor Sleep Quality: Children and adults with enlarged adenoids often snore or have disturbed sleep patterns due to partial airway obstruction.

How Does the Adenoidectomy Procedure Work?

Adenoidectomy is a short, outpatient surgery performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon accesses the adenoids through the nose or mouth, avoiding any external incisions or visible scars.

Procedure steps:

  1. The patient is placed under general anesthesia to ensure comfort and safety during surgery.
  2. Using an endoscope or mirror for visualization, the surgeon carefully removes all adenoid tissue from the nasopharynx.
  3. Removal tools include a curette (a small surgical scoop), microdebrider (a powered cutting tool), or coblation device (which uses radiofrequency energy to remove tissue with minimal damage).
  4. The procedure typically lasts 5 to 15 minutes.
  5. Most patients recover at home within 3 to 10 days, depending on individual healing rates.

Who May Benefit from Adenoidectomy?

Adenoidectomy is suitable for both children and adults experiencing symptoms related to adenoid enlargement or infection.

Those who may benefit include:

  • Children with OSA or chronic nasal obstruction: Adenoid enlargement is a common cause of sleep apnea and nasal blockage in young children.
  • Children with recurrent ear infections or middle ear fluid: Removing enlarged adenoids helps improve Eustachian tube function and reduce infections.
  • Patients with chronic rhinitis or sinus infections: Adenoid removal can improve nasal airflow and reduce sinus problems.
  • Adults with nasal obstruction or sleep apnea linked to adenoids: Though less common than in children, adults may also benefit.
  • Patients seeking a low-risk surgical option: Adenoidectomy carries a low risk of bleeding (0.5–1%, per Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 2018) and is minimally invasive.
  • Those needing symptom relief for breathing or ear-related problems: Effective for restoring normal breathing and reducing infections.

Benefits of Adenoidectomy

Adenoidectomy offers many advantages for those suffering from chronic adenoid-related conditions:

  • Effective Symptom Relief: Improves nasal breathing, reduces snoring, enhances sleep quality, and decreases ear infections.
  • Minimally Invasive: The procedure is done through natural passages (nose or mouth) with no external incisions.
  • Low Complication Risk: Bleeding risk is minimal, typically between 5% and 1%.
  • Quick Recovery: Most patients resume normal activities within 5 to 7 days.
  • Outpatient Procedure: Usually completed in under 15 minutes, with same-day discharge.
  • Improved Quality of Life: Better breathing and fewer infections help children focus better in school and improve overall well-being.

What Problems Require Adenoidectomy?

Challenges or Risks of Adenoidectomy

While safe and effective, adenoidectomy has some potential risks and limitations to consider:

  • Adenoid Regrowth: Rarely, adenoid tissue may regrow after surgery. It has 1–2% occurrence, primarily in younger children.
  • Temporary Post-Operative Symptoms: Nasal discharge, mild bad breath, or a temporary change in speech (hyponasal or hypernasal) can occur during healing.
  • Anesthesia Risks: General anesthesia carries very low but present risks, which your surgeon will discuss before the procedure.
  • Incomplete Symptom Relief: If nasal obstruction or sleep apnea is caused by other issues like allergies or nasal polyps, adenoidectomy alone may not resolve symptoms.
  • Follow-Up Needed: Continued monitoring may be necessary to assess breathing and ear health post-surgery.

Is Adenoidectomy Right for You or Your Child?

If chronic nasal blockage, sleep apnea, recurrent ear infections, or sinus issues are affecting daily life, adenoidectomy may provide the relief you need. The surgery is a proven, safe, and effective option that addresses the root cause, enlarged or infected adenoids.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does recovery from adenoidectomy take?

Most patients recover within 3 to 10 days. Children usually return to school and normal activities within a week.

2. Will the adenoids grow back after surgery?

Regrowth is rare, occurring in about 1–2% of cases, mainly in younger children.

3. Is adenoidectomy painful?

Post-operative discomfort is generally mild and managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Sore throat and nasal congestion are common but temporary.

4. Can adenoidectomy cure sleep apnea?

It often improves or resolves OSA caused by enlarged adenoids, but may need to be combined with other treatments depending on severity.


Take the Next Step Toward Better Breathing and Health

Adenoidectomy is a proven and safe surgical option to relieve nasal obstruction, sleep apnea, and recurrent ear infections caused by enlarged or infected adenoids.

This minimally invasive, outpatient procedure offers fast recovery and lasting symptom relief, improving breathing, sleep quality, and overall well-being for children and adults alike.

At MPENTA, our pediatric ENT specialists provide expert evaluation and compassionate care tailored to your child’s individual needs. We will guide you through every step, from diagnosis and treatment options to surgery and follow-up, ensuring you feel informed and supported.

If your child suffers from symptoms related to enlarged adenoids, contact MPENTA today to schedule a consultation and learn how adenoidectomy can help restore comfort and health.

Explore more about the common problems we treat and the surgeries we perform, or contact MPENTA today to request an appointment.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment options. Surgical decisions should be made in consultation with your healthcare team based on your specific condition and needs.