Adenoid glands are tiny parts of lymphatic tissue located in the nasopharynx, in the upper part of the nose. Their role is to protect the immune system, providing defense against harmful external factors such as viruses and bacteria. Consequently, they fight a multitude of infections by encouraging the body’s production of antibodies. Despite their beneficial effect, adenoid removal is recommended in case they pose obstacles to the person’s daily life.

Adenoid hypertrophy: What does it cause

The size of adenoid glands is significantly increased during childhood. Then, they shrink progressively after the age of 5 and finally disappear during adolescence. However, when they increase in size, they block both the nasal cavity and the eustachian tube that is the connection between the nose and the ear cavity.

This swelling, in which hypertrophic adenoid glands appear, obstructs the smooth flow of air in the nose, de-coordinating the function of breathing. This leads to nasal obstruction, a condition that causes severe snoring, but also sleep apnea, a phenomenon in which breathing stops for a short amount of time during sleep, which causes unpleasant symptoms and is even life-threatening. At the same time, hypertrophic adenoid glands may change the timbre of the voice, as the patient tends to breathe through the mouth and consequtively acquires a nasal voice.

Other issues that this particular condition can cause is the change of the shape of the jaw, as hypertrophic adenoid glands prevent the teeth from closing properly and create orthodontic problems. The formation of an adenoid “face” is a characteristic feature of the condition. At the same time, it is responsible for causing otitis, as fluid may collect in the ear area. The occurrence of inflammations such as pharyngitis and adenoiditis is more common in people who have hypertrophic adenoid glands.

Adenotomy: When it is indicated

Surgery to remove the adenoids is called an adenotomy and it is important to carry out in cases where the symptoms cause significant limitations in the children’s daily life and pose risks to their health. In the first stage, a conservative treatment plan is followed in combination with monitoring of the patient. This operation is carried out in the majority of patients during childhood, however adults can also undergo it if their adenoid glands cause problems or they have delayed their removal for several years.

Adenoid removal: Surgical process

Adenoid removal is carried out under general anesthesia. The surgeon checks the adenoid glands and then carefully removes them with specially designed tools. ENT Surgeon in Athens Dr. Olga Papadopoulou performs the specific procedure with the use of traditional tools and the application of diathermy, or with the use of a flexible endoscope, but also with non-invasive, bloodless techniques such as coblation. The operation may also be combined with a tonsillectomy, i.e. tonsils removal, in case they show hypertrophy. These two operations can be performed at the same time, while if the patient has otitis accompanied by fluid discharge, then a myringotomy can also be performed, during which the fluid is removed from the ear.

Post-oparative tips after adenoid removal

Adenoid removal takes about an hour. The patient is discharged the same day, while the post-operative pain is easily manageable with the administration of analgesic medication. At the same time, antibiotic medication is administered to prevent infection. It is important to avoid hard to swallow and excessively hot foods, while a specifically designed diet is recommended in order not to cause irritation in the affected area. Drinking plenty of fluids and resting are recommended. Patients return to their daily activities after 5 to 7 days.