An adenoidectomy is the surgical removal of the adenoid glands and is usually performed when the tonsils are removed. The adenoids are located in your neck, between your airway and the back of your throat. Adenoidectomy is performed most often on children when the adenoids are swollen and impede breathing. As far as surgery goes, a tonsillectomy and adenoid removal are considered minor, with a total recovery time of about two weeks.
Short Hospital Stay
Parents of children who have their adenoids removed can expect to take their youngsters home soon after surgery. Most people who have adenoidectomies do not need to spend the night in the hospital and can go home the same day as the procedure. Immediately after surgery, the patient will be taken to recovery until he wakes up from the anesthesia. After some routine monitoring of vital signs and the ability to swallow, most people are ready to go home.
Nausea
Pediatric ENT Associates of Minneapolis and St. Paul report that people who have had adenoids removed can expect some gastrointestinal distress immediately following surgery, including nausea and vomiting during the first two days after surgery; nausea is often a response to anesthesia.
Sore Throat
A sore throat is a hallmark symptom of having an adenoidectomy. The patient's throat and neck may be sore for several days post-surgery.
Fever
The after-effects of an adenoidectomy may include a fever. This symptom is to be expected and generally nothing to worry about, according to Pediatric Associates, unless the fever cannot be controlled with medications and is accompanied by chills, seizures or other signs of infection or other serious complications.
Preventive Measures
Your child may come home from an adenoidectomy with antibiotics. Medications of this kind are given as a preventive measure to protect the throat from nasal secretions that may cause infection. Your doctor may also prescribe or recommend a pain reliever.
