The adenoids are a pad of tissue located behind the nose in the throat. They cannot be seen by looking into the mouth. Adenoids can become enlarged and block the eustachian tube (in the ears) or the nasal airway (in the nose). Adenoids can also become a reservoir for bacteria.
Preoperative Care
No aspirin products (including Pepto Bismol®) or products containing Ginko Biloba or St. John's Wort should be given for two weeks prior to surgery.
No ibuprofen products (Advil®, Motrin®) or anti-inflammatory medications (Aleve®, Celebrex®, Naprosyn) should be given for one week prior to surgery. None of these products should be given for 2 weeks after surgery.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may be given as well as over-the-counter cold medications and antibiotics. Please notify your doctor if there is a family history of bleeding tendencies or if the child tends to bruise easily.
Adenoidectomy Surgery
Adenoidectomy is usually performed under anesthesia as an outpatient. The surgery takes 20 – 30 minutes and the child remains at the hospital 1 – 2 hours afterwards.
Postoperative Care
Most children are back to normal within 24 hours of surgery. Some children take a few days to recover.
Snoring and mouth breathing will continue or can develop along with nasal congestion and nasal drainage. This is due to swelling in the back of the nose where the adenoids were removed.
Bad breath is also normal and is caused by scabs that form after surgery. All of these symptoms are usually gone within 10 – 14 days.
Pain
Most children have little pain. Some children experience a sore throat, headache or ear pain for a few days which is usually relieved with acetaminophen (Tylenol®).
Fever
A low grade fever is normal for a few days after surgery and acetaminophen (Tylenol) should be given. Please call the office nurse if the temperature is over 102F.
Nausea and Vomiting
Some children experience nausea and vomiting from the general anesthetic. This should resolve within a few hours. Please call the office nurse if nausea and vomiting continues for more that 12 - 24 hours.
Diet
Begin with a clear liquid diet, progress to a light diet, and then to a normal diet as your child feels like eating.
Activity
Normal activities may be resumed as soon as your child feels up to it. Your doctor will notify you of any restrictions.
Bleeding
There should not be any bleeding from the mouth or nose after surgery. If bleeding occurs, bring your child to the Emergency Room to be examined by the ENT doctor on call.
Adenoidectomy Follow-up
Some of our doctors recommend a postoperative appointment 2 – 3 weeks after surgery. If recommended, call for an appointment. If there are problems or questions call the office nurse.
For emergencies after office hours, please contact the operator at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 513-636-4200, and ask for the resident on call.
Rev. 6/08
