Adenoidectomy

Adenoidectomy is performed to remove enlarged adenoid tissue causing blockage at the back of the nose. In one third of cases adenoid tissue extends through the hole at the back of the nose, into the nose, and needs to be removed as well.

Standard adenoidectomy is done under general anaesthesia as a day only procedure. A turret through the mouth goes behind the palate to remove the adenoid tissue in the post nasal space.

The patency of the hole at the back of the nose is then checked with a telescope placed in through the nostrils. If there is adenoid tissue extending into the nose, it is removed using the telescope and an instrument introduced through the nostril.

The procedure can be performed on children of any age but is most commonly performed on children between the ages of 2 – 6 years.

The most commonly asked question in regards to adenoidectomy is; “Do the adenoids grow back?” The answer to this question is that the adenoids do not grow back but if any adenoid tissue is left behind, it can enlarge and cause recurrent symptoms.