Adenoidectomy

Adenoidectomy
Location of the adenoid
Specialty	otolaryngology
ICD-9-CM	28
MeSH	D000233

Adenoidectomy is the surgical removal of the adenoids. They may be removed for several reasons, including impaired breathing through the nose and chronic infections or earaches. The surgery is common. It is most often done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Post-operative pain is generally minimal and prevented with an abundance of icy or cold foods, though dairy foods such as ice cream should be avoided, as they coat the back of the throat, encouraging the body to produce phlegm, which can interfere with healing. The procedure can sometimes be combined with a tonsillectomy if needed. Recovery time can range from several hours to two or three days (though as age increases so does recovery time).

Adenoidectomy is often performed on children aged 1-6, as adenoids help the body's immune system. Adenoids become vestigial organs in adults.

References

• Darrow D, Siemens C (2002). "Indications for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy". Laryngoscope. 112 (8 Pt 2 Suppl 100): 6–10. doi:10.1097/00005537-200208001-00004. PMID 12172229.
• Derkay C, Darrow D, LeFebvre S (1995). "Pediatric tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedures". AORN J. 62 (6): 887–904, quiz 906–10. doi:10.1016/S0001-2092(06)63556-4. PMID 9128745.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

External links

• Surgery Encyclopedia: Adenoidectomy
• Adenoidectomy - throat operation to remove swollen adenoids
• eMedicine - Adenoidectomy