Adenoid is a set of lymphatic tissues that are located in the region between the throat and the nose and is responsible for recognizing viruses and bacteria and producing antibodies, thus protecting the organism. However, adenoids can grow a lot, becoming swollen and inflamed and causing symptoms such as frequent rhinitis and sinusitis, snoring and difficulty breathing that do not improve with antibiotics, requiring surgery. See what the adenoid symptoms are and when to withdraw.
Adenoid surgery is simple, performed under general anesthesia and lasts about 30 minutes. Adenoids are removed through the mouth, without the need for cuts in the skin, and surgery can be done along with other surgical procedures, such as removal of the tonsils or surgery for deviation of the nasal septum. Understand what septum deviation surgery is and how it is done.
How adenoid surgery is done
Usually, surgery for adenoids is done under general anesthesia and, therefore, the person must do a complete fast for 8 hours. During the surgery, which lasts about 30 minutes, the doctor removes the adenoids through the mouth, without having to make cuts on the skin. In some cases, surgery for adenoids, tonsils and ear may be recommended, since tonsils and the ear tend to become infected as well.
Adenoid surgery can be done from the age of 6, but in the most severe cases, such as sleep apnea, where breathing stops during sleep, the doctor may suggest surgery before that age.
The person can return home after a few hours, usually until the effect of the anesthesia wears off, or stay overnight for the doctor to monitor the patient's progress.
Adenoid surgery does not interfere with the immune system, as there are other defense mechanisms in the body. In addition, adenoid growth is rare again, however it is more common to occur after surgery in babies, as the adenoid is still growing.
Risks of adenoid surgery
The risks of adenoid surgery include bleeding, infection, complications from anesthesia, vomiting, fever and swelling of the face, which should be immediately reported to the doctor.
Recovery from adenoid surgery
Recovery from adenoid surgery takes about 2 weeks and during that time it is important to:
- Maintain rest and avoid sudden movements with the head; Eat pasty, cold and liquid foods for 3 days or according to the doctor's guidance; Avoid crowded places, such as shopping malls; Avoid contact with patients with respiratory infections; Take antibiotics, according to the doctor's indication.
During recovery the person may experience some pain, especially in the first 3 days and, for this, the doctor may prescribe painkillers, such as Paracetamol. In addition, one should go to the hospital if there is a fever greater than 38º or bleeding from the mouth or nose.
Watch the following video and learn what to eat during the recovery period from adenoid and tonsil surgery:
