What Is An Adenoidectomy?
Adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove adenoids. The adenoids are a mass of lymphoid tissue located behind the nasal passages. Infected adenoids may become enlarged, and can obstruct breathing and cause other problems.
What Are The Symptoms Of Problem Adenoids?
- Inability to breathe through the nose (mouth breathing); can result in excessive dental cavities
- Thick, colored discharge from the nose
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea
- Frequent ear infections
- Speech impediment or delayed speech development
- Unusual facial qualities, for example, an extremely elongated face with a high palatal arch and widened nose
- Hearing loss due to middle ear fluid
What Can Surgery Accomplish?
- Restore nasal breathing; stop mouth breathing
- Stop snoring
- Lower incidence of ear infections
- Allow normal facial and dental growth
- Improve hearing and speech
- Lower risk of dental cavities
What Does Surgery Entail?
- General anesthesia is required
- Adenoids are removed through the mouth
- Packing is rarely necessary