Adenoidectomy
An Adenoidectomy is a common surgical procedure in which the adenoid tissue located at the back of the nose (at the nasopharynx) is removed for specific medical reasons. The operation typically takes around 20 minutes and is often performed together with a tonsillectomy (removal of Tonsils) when both enlarged adenoids and tonsils contribute to symptoms.
Coblation Adenoidectomy
Coblation Adenoidectomy is a modern surgical technique used to remove the adenoids using Coblation (radiofrequency ablation), which operates at low temperatures.
This allows precise removal of the adenoid tissue while minimising damage to surrounding structures. As a result, the procedure is associated with less postoperative pain, reduced bleeding and a faster, more comfortable recovery compared with traditional adenoidectomy techniques.
Common Reasons for Adenoidectomy in Children
1. Sleep-Disordered Breathing / Obstructive Symptoms
Enlarged adenoids can narrow the airway, causing snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep (obstructive sleep apnoea), and poor-quality sleep.
In these cases, Adenoidectomy is usually performed together with Intracapsular Tonsillectomy to improve breathing and sleep quality.
2. Persistent Middle Ear Fluid (Glue Ear)
Adenoids can block the Eustachian tube, the canal connecting the back of the nose to the middle ear.
This can lead to fluid accumulation behind the eardrum in both ears, causing hearing problems or recurrent ear infections.
Removing the adenoids can help restore normal middle ear ventilation and when necessary, is performed alongside grommet insertion.
Recovery
Most children recover well within 7–10 days. Coblation Adenoidectomy is associated with less pain, lower risk of bleeding and a quicker return to normal eating and activities compared to traditional methods.