Adenoidectomy (with or without Tonsillectomy)
An Adenoidectomy is a common surgical procedure in which the adenoid tissue located at the back of the nose (in the nasopharynx) is removed for specific medical reasons. The operation typically takes around 15–25 minutes and is often performed together with a tonsillectomy when both enlarged adenoids and tonsils contribute to symptoms.
Coblation Adenoidectomy
This is a modern technique that removes the adenoid tissue using Coblation (Radiofrequency Ablation), a gentle, low-temperature method.
It allows precise removal of the tissue while minimizing pain and bleeding, leading to a faster and more comfortable recovery compared to traditional 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.