Being told that you or a loved one needs any type of surgery can be a frightful, uncomfortable, and confusing time. Hearing that you need adenoidectomy is no exception. Though the word may seem big, this procedure is actually quite doable. Here is all the information you need to know from Commonwealth ENT to help calm your fears about adenoid removal.
What Is An Adenoidectomy?
An adenoidectomy is a procedure that involves the removal of one’s adenoids. Your adenoids are small glands that sit behind your nose, just past the roof of your mouth. These glands can help regulate your immune system and help process germs, though they tend to gain less importance as you grow older, and will eventually disappear on their own. However, if your adenoids end up getting swollen, you may need to have them removed.
Why Do My Adenoids Need to Be Removed?
If your doctor has suggested that you should have an adenoidectomy, then your adenoids may have become swollen or enlarged. This can happen for a few different reasons. Some infections can impact these little glands, causing them to swell up. If these infections become chronic, you may need to have your adenoids out. Allergies can also cause similar swelling and discomfort. Sometimes, you may just be born with large adenoids! When adenoids swell, they have the potential to block a person’s airway, which makes it harder to breathe or sleep, due to sleep apnea. This swelling can also cause sinus infections or ear pain, which can be pretty uncomfortable. If this happens, it may be best to have the adenoids taken out.
What Happens During an Adenoidectomy?
An adenoidectomy is not as scary of a procedure as it sounds. It’s a relatively short procedure. An ear, nose, and throat surgeon (ENT) will conduct this process, as they are an expert in that field. During the adenoidectomy, an anesthesiologist will put you under general anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep the entire time. As you sleep, the doctor will open your mouth with the assistance of a retractor–which is essentially a tool that will make sure your mouth stays open as they work–and begin to remove the adenoids with a small tool. After the glands are removed, the surgeon may have to cauterize the area, which means they take another tool, sometimes one with electricity, and use it to stop the bleeding. Other times, the surgeon may use packing material, which will help control the bleeding. This can all be done in 20-30 minutes. After that, you will be moved into a recovery room, until the anesthesia wears off.
Though all medical procedures have their risks, the adenoidectomy is a very common, very short, and very safe surgery. Its results yield better breathing, better sleeping, and a more happy, comfortable life!
If you have any questions or are in need of adenoidectomy, Commonwealth ENT can help! Contact us for an appointment at (804) 525-4231, and let us help you start the journey to greater ENT health.