Adenoidectomy

What is an Adenoidectomy?

An adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the adenoids, which are small glands located at the back of the throat and behind the nose. Adenoids are part of the immune system and help fight infections, but when they become enlarged or chronically infected, they can cause various health issues. When this happens, an adenoidectomy may be recommended to reduce symptoms and improve the overall health of the child. Adenoidectomy is often performed along with tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils), as both glands can contribute to similar issues.

Symptoms of Infected Adenoids

The most common symptoms of enlarged or infected adenoids are: 

• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Chronic mouth breathing
• Snoring or sleep apnea
• Recurrent ear infections
• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• Sinusitis
• Bad breath
• Swollen glands in the neck

If your child experiences any of these symptoms, consult an ENT specialist to determine if an adenoidectomy is necessary.

What Does an Adenoidectomy Treat?

An adenoidectomy is typically recommended to treat the following conditions in children:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Enlarged adenoids can obstruct the airway during sleep and cause breathing difficulties, snoring, and disrupted sleep patterns. Additionally, untreated OSA leads to growth and developmental issues, as well as behavioral problems in affected children.
• Recurrent Ear Infections: Adenoids can contribute to the development of chronic ear infections. This can block the Eustachian tubes that connect the middle ear to the throat. As a result, the child may experience frequent ear infections, fluid buildup, and potential hearing loss.
• Chronic Sinusitis: Infected adenoids can harbor bacteria that cause persistent sinus infections, which may not respond well to antibiotics alone. This can result in breathing difficulties in children. 
• Orthodontic and Dental Problems: Chronic mouth breathing due to enlarged adenoids can cause changes in facial growth. This can lead to a narrow upper jaw, crowded teeth, and an elongated face.

Procedure Details

Adenoidectomy is a simple procedure performed under general anesthesia. The surgery usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour, and most patients can go home the same day. The procedure is completed in the following steps:

• The child is given general anesthesia to ensure comfort and prevent movement during the surgery.
• The surgeon inserts a small tool through the mouth to remove the adenoids, either by cutting or cauterizing them.
• The area may be packed with absorbent material to control bleeding.
• The patient is monitored in the recovery room until the anesthesia wears off.
• Most patients can go home the same day, but some may require an overnight stay for observation.

What are the Benefits of Adenoidectomy?

The patient experiences several benefits of adenoidectomy. The most commonly observed improvements in children are: 

• Improved breathing and sleep quality as obstruction caused by enlarged adenoids is eliminated.
• Reduced risk of ear and sinus infections as a common source of bacterial growth is removed.

Some other common benefits of adenoidectomy include:

• Better hearing and speech development
• Improved nasal airflow and reduced congestion
• Elimination of bad breath caused by infected adenoids
• Enhanced overall quality of life

Cost of Adenoidectomy in India

People can expect the cost of an adenoidectomy in India from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 80,000. The exact cost differs with factors like:

• Location and type of hospital
• Surgeon's fees
• Anesthesia charges
• Pre and post-operative tests and medications\
• Room type (single or shared) 

Some hospitals also offer package deals that include consultation, surgery, and follow-up care at a discounted rate. You can check with your insurance provider to learn more about the coverage for adenoidectomy.

If your child is suffering from enlarged or infected adenoids, consult with the expert ENT surgeons at Apollo Spectra to determine if an adenoidectomy is the right treatment option. With state-of-the-art facilities, experienced surgeons, and comprehensive care, Apollo Spectra will help your child breathe freely again. Schedule a consultation today at our pediatric or ENT department to receive expert advice on your child's adenoidectomy.