Adenoids are small glands located at the back of the nose. In younger children, they are there to fight germs. We believe that after the age of about two years, the adenoids are no longer needed.
Your body can still fight germs without your adenoids. They probably only act to help fight infection during the first two years of life: after then, we only take them out if they are doing more harm than good.
Enlarged adenoids can also interfere with the function of the Eustachian tube, which connects the nose to the ears, potentially causing ear problems.
Removal of adenoids can:
Adenoid surgery is usually avoided in children under 2 years or under 15 kg due to a slightly higher risk of bleeding. There is no strict upper age limit, but by the teenage years, the adenoids have typically shrunk.
It is rare, but possible, for adenoids to regrow.
Day Surgery vs. Inpatient Stay
Most healthy children can go home the same day. Children with sleep disorders or other medical concerns may be observed overnight.
Recovery After Surgery
There is no evidence that removing adenoids affects immune function or increases susceptibility to infections.
If your child frequently gets tonsillitis or has trouble breathing at night, your surgeon may recommend removing the tonsils at the same time. This combined surgery is safe and effective.
Adenoid surgery is generally very safe. The most serious complication is bleeding, which is uncommon but may require further treatment.
