Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan answered the questions about adenoids and tonsil problems in children.
What Is Performed in Adenoid Surgery?
The operation of adenoids is performed under general anesthesia. A syrup is given to relieve the patient before they are discharged from the operating room. Then, they are asked to blow into the anesthesia balloon with the help of a mask in the operation room. While blowing into the anesthesia balloon, the patient begins to sleep, and the other steps of the general anesthesia are completed. The mouth is opened by applying a tool called a mouth opener. There are 2 methods. The first is the method of obtaining adenoid with the help of a curette. The other is the evaporation method. Today, the evaporation method (plasma method) is widely used. After the application area is given physiologically, the area with excessive radiofrequency energy in the adenoid evaporates with the effect of plasma and is vacuumed away with the help of a specially designed device.
Is Adenoid Surgery Difficult, How Long Does It Take? Which Anesthesia Method Is Used? Are There Risks?
Adenoid surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Especially in the evaporation method, the time is about 10-15 minutes. With the help of the camera, the nasal area is seen, and it provides the opportunity to do so without damaging the surrounding tissues. This also minimizes the risks. On the sides of the adenoid region are the mouths of the eustachian tube, which vents the ear. These structures may be damaged in the process of removing excess adenoids without seeing them. However, since there is a sufficient viewing angle with the camera in the Coblator system, there is little to no risk.
What Is the Process After Adenoid Surgery? Is Hospitalization Necessary?
Nutrition is started 2 hours after the operation when the sleep-inducing effect of general anesthesia is eliminated. It does not have a special diet as in tonsil surgeries. If there is little to no possibility of complications with the evaporation method, they are discharged on the same day.
Will There Be Pain Post-Op?
No nerve tissue perceives pain sensation in the nasal area. This is why it is a painless operation.
How Long Does It Take for Problems Associated With Adenoid to Disappear After Adenoid Surgery?
Complaints of nasal congestion begin to improve from the first day in some patients. The passage of the obstruction in the nasal area leads to an increase in the level of growth hormone in the blood. One study showed a significant increase in growth hormone levels 6 months after surgery. Since the mouth of the eustachian tube, which ventilates the ears, is opened, the frequency of otitis media begins to decrease. The decrease in the frequency of infection after the operation, the increase in growth hormone, and the increase in sleep quality are positively reflected in the growth and development of the child. Problems such as restlessness and sleep disorders were also reported to decrease.
What Should Parents Pay Attention to After Adenoid Surgery?
We prefer to use seawater or saline sprays when cleaning the nasal secretions after surgery. Care should be taken that the sprays used are not high-pressure. High-pressure sprays may irritate the operated nasal area in the early period and cause bleeding. In addition, if they are an allergic child, they should be reminded that their allergic drugs should not be discontinued after the surgery.