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Adenoidectomy
Adenoidectomy is a safe and effective ENT procedure that removes enlarged or chronically infected adenoid tissue in children, relieving nasal obstruction, improving breathing, and reducing recurrent ear and throat infections — leading to remarkable improvement in sleep quality and overall wellbeing.
Overview
Adenoidectomy is one of the most frequently performed paediatric surgical procedures worldwide, removing the adenoid pad at the back of the nasal cavity when persistent enlargement or chronic infection obstructs the nasal airway, blocks Eustachian tube openings causing recurrent ear infections, and significantly impairs the child's breathing, sleep quality, and general health. It is a quick, safe procedure with very low complication rates that provides rapid, lasting relief, and most parents are delighted to see how much better their child breathes and sleeps from the very first night after surgery.
Types of Adenoidectomy
Adenoidectomy can be performed using several surgical techniques each offering specific advantages. Your ENT surgeon will select the most appropriate technique.
- Curettage Adenoidectomy (traditional technique using a curette to scrape adenoid tissue)
- Endoscopic Adenoidectomy (direct visualisation with nasal endoscope for greater precision)
- Microdebrider Adenoidectomy (powered shaver for precise removal with minimal bleeding)
- Coblation Adenoidectomy (radiofrequency energy — reduced post-operative pain)
- Laser Adenoidectomy (precise ablation in selected centres)
Risk Factors for Adenoid Hypertrophy
Adenoid enlargement is most common in young children aged 3 to 7 years as the immune system develops. These risk factors increase the likelihood of persistent problems requiring surgical intervention.
- Recurrent upper respiratory tract infections stimulating repeated adenoid enlargement
- Allergic rhinitis causing chronic nasal inflammation and adenoid hypertrophy
- Environmental cigarette smoke or air pollutant exposure irritating the nasal mucosa
- Family history of adenoid and tonsil problems
- Daycare or school attendance increasing frequency of viral infections
- Allergic constitution and atopic background
Adenoid Hypertrophy Symptoms
Recognising symptoms of enlarged adenoids early ensures children receive timely treatment before the condition impacts their growth, hearing, and quality of life.
- Persistent nasal obstruction causing constant mouth breathing
- Snoring and noisy breathing during sleep
- Obstructive sleep apnoea with pauses in breathing during sleep
- Restless poor quality sleep causing daytime tiredness and concentration difficulty
- Recurrent ear infections or persistent glue ear causing hearing loss
- Nasal voice quality and difficulty articulating sounds clearly
- Chronic runny nose and post-nasal drip with frequent cough
- Poor appetite and failure to thrive in young children
Key Benefits
Discover the advantages of choosing our adenoidectomy services.
Relieves nasal obstruction and restores normal comfortable nasal breathing immediately
Eliminates the snoring and sleep disruption affecting sleep quality for the whole family
Reduces the frequency of recurrent ear infections and glue ear episodes in children
Improves hearing by clearing Eustachian tube obstruction caused by enlarged adenoids
Enhances speech clarity by restoring normal nasal airway resonance
Clinical Features
The technology, techniques and clinical approach behind our adenoidectomy.
Endoscopic visualisation ensures complete, precise adenoid removal under direct vision
Available using curettage, microdebrider, or coblation technique based on individual assessment
Performed under general anaesthesia ensuring complete comfort for all paediatric patients
Same-day discharge with standard protocols for most uncomplicated adenoidectomy cases
No external incisions — entire procedure performed through the natural oral and nasal openings
Preparation Instructions
- Ensure the child has a pre-operative assessment by the anaesthesiologist
- Complete routine blood tests including CBC and coagulation screen
- Stop aspirin or ibuprofen at least 7 days before surgery
- The child must fast for at least 6 hours (food) and 2 hours (clear fluids) before the procedure
- Postpone surgery if the child has a recent upper respiratory tract infection — inform the surgeon
- Bring a comfort toy or favourite object to help the child feel secure
- Arrange for a parent or guardian to stay with the child throughout the admission
- Discuss a post-operative pain management plan with the surgical team before discharge
The Procedure
Step-by-step guide to what you can expect during your adenoidectomy procedure.
ENT Assessment and Treatment Planning
Your ENT specialist reviews your child's symptom history, clinical examination, endoscopic nasal assessment, and audiological results to confirm that adenoid hypertrophy is the primary cause of nasal obstruction, recurrent ear infections, or sleep disruption and that surgical removal is the most appropriate next step.
Preparation and General Anaesthesia
Our dedicated paediatric anaesthesiologist administers general anaesthesia smoothly and safely so your child is completely comfortable and asleep throughout. The mouth is opened using a gentle mouth gag to provide clear access to the nasopharynx where the adenoid tissue is located.
Endoscopic Visualisation of the Adenoids
A small endoscope is passed through the nose or mouth to provide your surgeon with a clear, magnified view of the adenoid pad in the nasopharynx. This precise visualisation ensures accurate and complete removal of all adenoid tissue while protecting the Eustachian tube openings.
Adenoid Removal Using Chosen Technique
The adenoid tissue is removed using the most appropriate technique — curettage, microdebrider, or coblation — depending on tissue size, bleeding tendency, and surgeon preference. The entire adenoid pad is systematically removed under direct vision to ensure no tissue is left behind.
Haemostasis and Airway Confirmation
After adenoid removal, thorough haemostasis is achieved using cautery or packing. The surgeon confirms all bleeding points are controlled and that the airway is clear before the anaesthetic is reversed. Most children are breathing clearly and comfortably within minutes of waking.
Recovery and Parent Education
Your child recovers in the paediatric recovery area with our nurse present throughout waking. Before discharge, our team provides you with clear written instructions on pain management, diet, activity, warning signs, and when to return — so you feel fully confident and prepared.
What to Expect
Adenoidectomy is performed under general anaesthesia in 20 to 30 minutes with no external incisions — the surgeon accesses adenoid tissue through the open mouth. Most children wake smoothly and are comfortable within 1 to 2 hours. The majority are discharged the same day or after one overnight stay and parents see immediate improvement in breathing from the very first night.
Recovery
Your child may have mild throat discomfort and nasal congestion for 1 to 2 weeks — this is normal as the area heals. Give prescribed pain relief regularly for the first 3 to 5 days even if your child seems comfortable. Encourage a soft diet and plenty of fluids for one week. Contact the ENT team immediately for significant or persistent bleeding from the nose or mouth, high fever, or signs of dehydration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about adenoidectomy.
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Adenotonsillectomy
Bilateral Modified Neck Dissection
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