Adenoidectomy, along with tonsillectomy, is among the most commonly performed ENT surgical procedures in the United States.
Nonetheless, for many people with no medical background, the term “adenoidectomy” can seem rather unfamiliar, leaving them wondering what it actually means and when they might need it.
The information we’ve provided below can help you get a better insight into the procedure.
Who Needs an Adenoidectomy?
Adenoidectomy is more commonly done on children than on adults. This is due to the fact that children are more susceptible to problems with their adenoids, as their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Adenoids usually start shrinking after about age 5 and, by adulthood, should have completely disappeared.
However, this might not be the case for some adults, who suffer from adenoid hypertrophy and eventually need an adenoidectomy. Adenoid hypertrophy in adults is ascribed to various factors, such as chronic infection and allergies, exposure to pollution, and unhealthy lifestyle (e.g., smoking).
An adenoidectomy is typically recommended for patients who have been given an extensive course of nonsurgical treatment for the following problems but without success:
- Chronic middle ear infections
- Difficulty breathing
- Problems with loud snoring and sleep apnea, which is a potentially serious sleep disorder that causes pauses in breathing
- Recurrent tonsillitis
What Exactly Happens During an Adenoidectomy?
Adenoidectomy is often done on an outpatient basis, using general anesthesia. During the procedure, the doctor uses a tool called a Crowe-Davis retractor to keep the mouth open. Next, the doctor uses a transoral camera to guide the instrument to the exact location and make sure there’s no damage to the nearby structures.
There are different methods for this procedure. Depending on the doctor’s preference, they may use a spoon-shaped tool known as a curette to remove the adenoids. There are ENT doctors who use electricity to heat and remove the adenoids, and stop the bleeding (electrocautery). Another method is coblation, in which radiofrequency (RF) energy is used to carry out the procedure.
Adenoidectomy Surgery in Georgetown, TX
At Georgetown ENT, Dr. Scott William Franklin, our board-certified otolaryngologist, strives to consistently deliver exceptional patient outcomes for adenoidectomy and all other ears, nose, and throat surgical procedures.
Dr. Franklin understands that even a simple procedure can carry significant risks, and thus, he and our team take all necessary measures to ensure these are effectively minimized. His extensive training in sleep medicine also makes him highly qualified to treat patients with sleep apnea due to nasal obstructions.
If you or your child has a problem with enlarged adenoids, consult Dr. Franklin for your treatment options. Call our ENT clinic in Georgetown today at (512) 869-0604 or use our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to helping you breathe well again!
