An adenoidectomy is a common surgical procedure performed during childhood.
This operation is typically low-risk and performed to improve a child’s health. It is many times performed in conjunction with a tonsillectomy. You can determine if your child needs an adenoidectomy by consulting with the best ENT doctor in Los Angeles today.
What is an Adenoidectomy?
An adenoidectomy is the surgical removal of the adenoids. The best ENT doctor in Los Angeles will typically use cauterization to remove them. However, some doctors will insist on using traditional scalpels and incisions to remove them if warranted.
The operation is performed under general anesthesia. It is done in a single day surgical center or hospital. Many times, the patient will be allowed to go home to recover shortly after the surgery is finished. There is no need for an overnight hospital stay.
Before a patient is sent home, however, he or she will be observed for signs of bleeding, infection, or allergic reactions. If there are complications, the patient may be required to stay overnight or longer in the hospital until he or she is stabilized.
Why is an Adenoidectomy Performed?
The best ENT doctor in Los Angeles will perform an adenoidectomy for several reasons. The primary reason for this surgery involves removing adenoids that have become dangerously infected.
The primary job of the adenoids is to produce antibodies or white blood cells that fight infection. However, they also may become infected and enlarged, which can make it difficult to breathe or swallow.
When they are so enlarged that a patient cannot breathe or swallow properly, the best ENT doctor in Los Angeles may decide to remove the adenoids.
They also may be removed if they block the middle ear and cause chronic ear infections. This enlargement can lead to permanent hearing loss as well as pain in the middle ear. Rather than risk these complications, the best ENT doctor in Los Angeles will remove the adenoids to relieve these symptoms.
Recovering from an Adenoidectomy
The recovery period for an adenoidectomy is typically a week to 10 days. During that time, it is normal for a child to experience substantial pain in their ears, nose, and throat. They also may run a mild fever lower than 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
During the recovery period, it is crucial that the child eat a liquid or soft diet. Hard or crunchy foods can cause bleeding in the back of the throat and nose.
To relieve the pain of the incision and stitches, which will slough off on their own after about a week, the child can be given a mild over-the-counter pain reliever like Tylenol. He or she should avoid taking pain relievers with aspirin in them because they can cause a thinning of the blood and subsequent bleeding.
An adenoidectomy may be necessary to treat chronic infections in the throat and ears. This common outpatient surgery is performed most often during childhood. The recovery period after the operation can last for up to 10 days.