The nasopharyngeal tonsil (adenoid) is located in the back of the nasal cavity, in the upper part of the pharynx, directly next to the openings of the eustachian tube. The adenoid tonsil participates in the defense against infections, especially in filtering pathogens that enter through the respiratory tract. Its function decreases with age and is no longer essential after a certain age, so the tonsil can be surgically removed based on medical indications.
Nasopharyngeal tonsil surgery (adenoidectomy)
When is adenoid surgery necessary?
An enlarged adenoid can cause several health problems that may warrant surgical removal:
- Ear problems: If the adenoid blocks the opening of the eustachian tube, it can lead to recurrent or persistent inflammatory diseases of the middle ear and hearing loss.
- Breathing difficulties: A blocked nasopharynx can obstruct nasal breathing, causing nasal-sounding speech, continuous breathing through the mouth, snoring and sleep disturbances.
- Recurrent sinusitis: Congestion caused by the adenoid can lead to infections and chronic inflammation.
- Lower respiratory tract complaints: The discharge from an infected adenoid can cause a persistent cough, laryngitis and bronchitis, and can make asthma symptoms worse.
- Headaches and general malaise: Persistent oxygen deprivation can lead to headaches, fatigue and concentration problems. In children, this can result in inattention and sleep disturbances.
If these complaints persist or recur, surgical removal of the adenoid can bring significant improvement.
What preliminary tests are required?
Preoperative tests vary depending on the patient's age and condition. For children and adults under 30 years of age, an anesthesiology consultation and laboratory tests are required before surgery. For patients over 30 years of age, this list of tests is supplemented with an ECG, and for patients over 60 years of age or smokers, a chest x-ray is required to thoroughly assess the risks of surgery.
How is adenoid surgery performed?
Removal of the adenoid is usually performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the oral cavity is held open through the mouth with a special instrument to allow the surgeon unhindered access to the nasopharynx. The adenoid is removed by a scalpel, electric knife or a laser, followed by the application of a hemostatic swab.
What should the patient do after the procedure?
After the procedure, our patients spend one night in our hospital. On the day of the surgery, strict bed rest and continuous pain relief are recommended. A few hours after surgery, the foods recommended by the specialist staff can be eaten, but it is recommended to eat pureed foods and follow a gentle diet for a few days. It is important to know that, due to the blood clots and surgical edema, nasal congestion and snoring do not always stop immediately.
During the recovery period, weakness, fatigue and dizziness may occur, so exercise should only be done with caution, preferably with a companion. More intense physical activity can take place after ten days at the earliest. A raised temperature and pain radiating into the ear often occurs and is a natural part of the healing process. However, if a high fever, swelling of the face or head, or significant malaise develops, immediate medical attention is required. Full recovery takes about a week.
What are the risks of adenoidectomy?
After adenoid removal, the patient may experience nasal congestion due to the blood clot and swelling from the surgery. The anesthetic may cause weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and fever. After the surgery, there may be short-term, mild bleeding from the pharynx, nose, or throat. Postoperative bleeding most often occurs within 24 hours after the surgery, or after 7-10 days, when the plaque formed during wound healing detaches. Postoperative bleeding can be mild to moderate and can be easily controlled with appropriate treatment.
Nasopharyngeal tonsil surgery fee
You can find our current fee under the prices menu.
WHY CHOOSE DR. ROSE PRIVATE HOSPITAL?
- Highly skilled specialists, modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.
- Empathetic, people-centered approach. Our specialists always keep the comfort and safety of our patients in mind.
- Premium inpatient department. Available to our patients are 3 operating rooms and 24 patient rooms with 33 beds to meet all needs. The highest professional standards meet with an exclusive environment where you can heal in safety and with complete peace of mind.
- Fast and predictable appointments. We provide an appointment for the necessary intervention within 1-2 weeks of the first specialist consultation.
For all your ear, nose and throat complaints, contact the doctors of Dr. Rose Private Hospital with confidence.