What are the Side Effects of Having Your Adenoids Removed?

The adenoids are lymphatic tissue located high in the throat, just behind the nose. Rarely causing noticeable issues for most people, swollen and infected adenoids can occasionally require surgical removal. But, are there any side effects of having your adenoids removed?

Before deciding whether adenoid removal is necessary, it is important to understand both the potential symptoms that could warrant the procedure as well as the side effects that may follow. Medstar Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Clinic is here to provide answers.

In this article, we will explore the signs that adenoids may need to be taken out, how the adenoid removal surgery is performed, what to expect during recovery from adenoid removal in Medstar London, and whether adenoids have the ability to return after being operated on. Let’s start!

How to Tell If Adenoids Need to Be Removed?

The adenoid glands play an important role in the body's immune defence as part of the lymphatic system. While commonly asymptomatic, swollen or infected adenoid tissue can cause obstruction of the Eustachian tubes that connect the middle ear to the throat. This puts children especially at risk of recurring ear infections. 

Here are other signs that adenoids may need to be surgically addressed include:

• Persistent difficulty breathing through the nose

• Loud snoring

• Sudden drops in oxygen levels during sleep (observed in polysomnograms)

• Daytime drowsiness and fatigue

• Mouth breathing rather than nasal breathing

• Chronic sore throats and tonsillitis

If non-surgical options like medications or lifestyle modifications do not relieve these obstructive problems over time, evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist such as our doctors at Medstar Clinic may lead to a recommendation for adenoid removal.

How are Adenoids Removed?

Adenoids removal is an outpatient procedure typically performed under general anesthesia. Using either a microscope or an endoscope passed through the nose, the ENT surgeon will gently extract the adenoid tissue from the back of the throat with specially designed surgical tools. 

Commonly this is done using a curette, a spoon-shaped instrument, to carefully scrape off pieces of swollen gland. Bleeding is controlled with electrocautery or by packing the area with gelatin sponges or nasal packing.

The adenoids removal surgery itself is generally low-risk, though potential complications can include bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Recovery time is usually quite short, with children often able to return to regular activities within a week. Post-operative instructions usually involve only rest, soft foods, pain medication if needed, and follow-up with the ENT doctor.

When Do You Need Adenoids Removed?

While they serve an important immune role, enlarged adenoids at this stage are more likely to cause disruptive symptoms such as persistent ear infections, obstructive sleep problems, and breathing issues through the nose. If you would like to learn more details, make sure to check out “Can Enlarged Adenoids Cause Coughing at Night?”. 

You can also check out our articles about other ENT problems, such as “Viral Chest Infection Treatment in London”, “Can Vaping Cause Tonsillitis?”, “Can Tonsils Cause Ear Infections?”,  “How to Recover from Glandular Fever?”, “How to Cure Hay Fever Permanently?”, and “Sore Throat and Itchy Ears”, “Can a Sinus Infection Cause a Hoarse Voice?”, “How to Tell If Hearing Loss is Permanent or Temporary?”, and “Can Hay Fever Cause Laryngitis?”.

Ideal Age for Adenoid Removal

The ideal age range for adenoid removal varies, but it is most commonly performed on children between the ages of 2 and 7 years old. During this period is when adenoids tend to be largest in size and can most significantly block the Eustachian tube openings. 

Generally, if these problems persist or recur despite conservative treatments, an ENT specialist may suggest surgical intervention is warranted. Factors such as how much the quality of life is being affected, the severity of nasal obstruction or sleep disturbances, the frequency of ear infections, and the child's overall health are considered in this decision-making process. 

For mild intermittent infections, observation or watchful waiting may be tried initially. But in cases where obstructive adenoid size appears to be the primary cause of ongoing problems, removal, especially by age 7, is often recommended.

How Long Does Adenoids and Tonsils Removal Take?

An adenoidectomy alone is a relatively simple outpatient procedure that typically only takes 15-30 minutes from start to finish of the actual surgical part when performed at an office-based facility like Medstar Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Clinic in London. 

For children requiring simultaneous adenotonsillectomy (removal of both adenoids and tonsils), the operation time may be slightly longer, around 30-45 minutes. Both surgeries are usually done with the patient under brief general anaesthesia on an outpatient basis, meaning they can return home the same day once fully recovered.

After being wheeled into surgery, standard safety checks will be performed beforehand, and anaesthesia will be administered by mask. Once under, the doctor will perform the quick operation using specialised surgical tools. When tonsils are also being taken out, a small mouth retractor may be placed to improve visibility. 

Upon completion, any local packing or dressings are put in before being transferred safely to the recovery area, where nurses carefully monitor emergence from sedatives. Most are discharged home after 1-2 hours of rest and observation without issue.

How Long to Recover from Adenoid Removal?

Recovery from adenoid removal is usually quite smooth with minimal pain or side effects. However, it is important to plan for about 7-10 days of healing time at home after an outpatient procedure. Common post-operation recommendations include:

• Soft, cool foods for a few days to avoid irritation in the throat

• Over-the-counter pain medications as needed

• Plenty of fluids and rest

• No strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 1 week.

• Gargling salt water multiple times a day

• Check up with an ENT doctor 5-7 days after adenoid removal surgery.

In most cases, children are back to regular eating, playing, and low-energy activity levels within 5-7 days. Full recovery allowing very vigorous exercise may take 1-2 weeks. 

Rarely are there complications, but watch for signs of bleeding, fever, or a lot of pain not helped by medication, which could signal an infection needing attention. With adequate post-op care at home, most kids resume normal routines within 10 days with few remaining side effects from adenoid removal.

Can Adenoids Grow Back After Being Removed?

When properly exercised by an experienced surgeon like those at Medstar Clinic, recurrence of adenoids after surgical removal is actually very rare. At their location, deep in the back of the nose, regenerative powers in this area are minimal once tissue has been fully taken out. Any regrowth that does occur is usually just small fragments that do not significantly obstruct airflow or cause noticeable symptoms.

However, there have been reports of possible adenoid regrowth in certain patients, most commonly younger children. This may be because glands were not entirely taken away the first time or other developmental factors are at play. 

If symptoms of enlarged adenoids return resembling adenoid problems, close follow-up with an ENT is advised to assess the situation. Additional imaging tests or procedures to remove residual fragments could then be pursued if clinically warranted. But for most individuals, a single adenoids removal surgery will provide a permanent solution without regrowth concerns long-term.

Adenoids Removal in London

For London residents dealing with bothersome adenoid issues, the experienced otolaryngologists at Medstar Clinic provide a full range of adenoids removal services right in their hometown. 

Using state-of-the-art surgical techniques in a comfortable, accredited facility, we perform both adenoidectomy alone as well as adenotonsillectomy combinations routinely as outpatient procedures. Those finding themselves in need of adenoid removal can be assured of receiving the highest level of expertise, individualised treatment planning, and complete care close to home at Medstar Clinic. 

Patients appreciate Medstar Clinic's open appointment scheduling, allowing convenient pre-op consultations to fully review all options for care. Short wait times get patients feeling better sooner. Post-op recovery advice helps for a smooth healing process. And follow-up support eases any worries long-term. 

Patients have easily accessible online scheduling as well, making it simple to book a consultation and receive additional details on the adenoid removal approach best for their needs. You can book an appointment on our website and also on the Medstar app, which can be downloaded on the Google Play Store and App Store.

While adenoids removal surgery has proven side effect risks to be aware of, it also offers effective relief for problematic obstruction or infections when conservative measures fail. At Medstar Clinic, patients receive trusted adenoid surgery from highly skilled doctors conveniently located near their residence, resulting in comfortable operations and fast recoveries. 

Our mission is to optimise patient outcomes through every step of the healthcare process. So for all your ear, nose, and throat care needs, Medstar Clinic invites London patients to make an appointment online. You can also contact us directly for all your questions related to our private healthcare services!

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