Adenoid Removal
Alternate Names : Adenoidectomy, Removal of the Adenoid Glands
This procedure involves surgically removing the adenoid glands from the nasopharynx, which is the area between the nasal airway and back of the throat. It is usually performed with a tonsillectomy, or surgical removal of the tonsils.
Who is a candidate for the procedure?
This surgery may be recommended for persons with:
enlarged adenoids, or adenoidal hypertrophy
excessive snoring
difficulty breathing through the nose
a sleep disorder known as sleep apnea, which causes episodes of not breathing during sleep
chronic ear infections, known as chronic otitis media
chronic or repeated tonsillitis, or inflammation of the tonsils
chronic sinusitis
How is the procedure performed?
The surgery is performed using general anesthesia. This involves putting the person to sleep with medications. A breathing tube, known as an endotracheal tube, is inserted into the mouth and throat. Then the adenoid tissue is removed, and bleeding is controlled with pressure. The entire procedure takes about a half-hour.
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