Adenoidectomy

Adenoidectomy is the most effective type of treatment for adenoiditis, that is, the inflammation and infection of the adenoid glands which may lead to breathing or sleeping difficulties. This usually occurs in the case of children and adenoidectomy is commonly performed in children who have enlarged adenoids.
Adenoids are glands situated in the roof of the mouth, behind the soft palate where the nose gets connected to the throat. The adenoids help in the production of antibodies or white blood cells that help in fighting infections. The adenoids usually shrink during adolescence and could disappear by adulthood.

Symptoms

Adenoidectomy may be recommended in the following cases:

1. Recurrent ear infections that fail to respond to antibiotics
2. Fluid buildup in the ear and ear pain due to adenoid swelling
3. Disturbed sleep due to infection of the adenoid glands
4. Repeated adenoids infection that cannot be treated using antibiotics
5. Learning or behavior problems due to poor sleep quality
6. Snoring or sleep apnea (breathing problems while sleeping) due to enlarged adenoid glands

The condition of enlarged adenoid glands is usually seen in children. The symptoms of enlarged adenoids, which may require an adenoidectomy are:

• Frequently breathing through the mouth
• Dry mouth
• Stuffy nose
• Runny nose without any illness
• Cracked lips
• Noisy breathing
• Persistent, frequent ear infections
• Snoring
• Nasal-sounding voice
• Poor sleep quality
• Pauses in breathing while sleeping 

Diagnosis

1. Physical examination: The doctor will check the symptoms of the child. The physical health of the child will be evaluated to check if the child is physically fit to undergo surgery.
2. X-ray of the nasopharynx: This test will help the doctor to view the adenoid area.
3. Blood tests: These tests are performed to check the blood clotting time of the patient and if the blood cell count of the patient is normal. The test also helps in detecting the presence of any underlying medical conditions.
4. Polysomnogram: This is a type of sleep study performed to check how much nasal blockage is there.
5. Endoscopy: An endoscope, which is a tube having a camera and light on one end, may be used by the doctor to look into the nasal passage.
6. Imaging tests: The doctor may recommend imaging tests like MRI scans and CT scans to obtain a clear image of the nasal passage.

Treatment

• In the case of children, the procedure is generally performed using general anesthesia, that is, the child will be put to sleep during the procedure.
• Certain cases may be performed under local anesthesia, that is, the treatment area is numbed using anesthesia.
• The patient’s mouth is kept open using a retractor.
• A small incision is made in the mouth by the ENT surgeon.
• The adenoids are then removed using a curette (a spoon-shaped device), laser, or an electric device.
• Cauterization (sealing the incision area using a heated device) and packing the incision area using an absorbent material, like gauze, helps in controlling the bleeding during and after the procedure. Stitches are usually not required.
• The surgery usually takes less than one hour to complete.

Risks

The complications associated with adenoidectomy are:

• Problems with swallowing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Bad breath
• Ear pain
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Side effects of the anesthesia used
• Change in vocal performance
• Failure to relieve the symptoms, like ear infections, sinus infections, and breathing problems

After Procedure

• The patient usually goes home on the same day after the procedure. Very young children, patients having high-risk conditions, or problems in breathing may need to stay in the hospital for one day for observation.
• It is normal for the child to feel some pain or discomfort in the throat, ears, and nose for many days after surgery.
• The doctor will recommend pain-relieving medications to help in relieving any discomfort.
• It is normal to have a mild fever, vomiting, and upset stomach for one or two days after the surgery.
• If the child develops a high fever, uncontrolled vomiting, nose bleeds, discharge or blood from the area of surgery, dehydration signs like sunken eyes, sticky and dry lips, no urination for more than eight hours, and no tears, contact the doctor immediately.
• Recovery period following an adenoidectomy is usually one to two weeks.

Home remedies:

The following home remedies may help in quicker and smoother recovery following an adenoidectomy:

1. Take pain medications as prescribed by the doctor.
2. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
3. Apply ice cubes to gently massage the area and relieve swelling.
4. Avoid spicy and hot foods as they could irritate the throat and the surgical area.
5. Start with a soft, liquid diet and gradually move to a semi-solid and solid diet. Consume cold, liquid food items during the initial recovery period.
6. Take adequate rest.
7. Avoid straining your throat.
8. Avoid blowing your nose during the recovery period.
9. Avoid playing contact sports during the recovery period.
10. A humidifier may be used, if required, to help the patient breathe better and prevent any allergies.
11. Avoid airplane travel for at least two weeks after the surgery as the air pressure changes at high altitudes can impact the recovery adversely.

Cost of adenoidectomy in India-

The cost of adenoidectomy in Mumbai is between INR 60,000 to INR 1,20,000.
The cost of adenoidectomy in Delhi is between INR 50,000 to INR 1,00,000.
The cost of adenoidectomy in Bangalore is between INR 50,000 to INR 1,00,000.
The cost of adenoidectomy in Chennai is between INR 40,000 to INR 80,000.