Complications of Adenoidectomy

The adenoid glands are located between the nose and the back of the throat. While the chief function of the adenoids is to actually keep a person from getting sick by capturing harmful bacteria in its spongy tissue, the adenoids also have a tendency to trap bacteria and become infected themselves. When this repeatedly occurs and treatments such as antibiotics are no longer effective in ending infections, a physician may recommend surgical removal of the adenoids. This procedure is most often performed in children, according to kidshealth.org.

How It Works

• An adenoidectomy is often performed at the same time as a tonsillectomy, because both adenoids and tonsils can contribute to infections and they're located near each other. An adenoidectomy requires general anesthesia before surgery, so the child will be unconscious during the procedure. The surgeon will prop the mouth open, then use an instrument that resembles a spoon (called a curette) to scoop out the adenoids while using a microdebrider, which helps to cut the spongy tissue on the adenoids. The surgeon will prevent bleeding by cauterizing the adenoids. Then the bleeding area will be packed with cotton, which helps to absorb the blood.

Bleeding

• While a surgeon will make efforts, such as cauterization and packing, to slow bleeding, sometimes bleeding can become uncontrolled to the point where a blood transfusion is required. This complication is very rare. Parents should speak with the child's surgeon about their preferences for blood transfusion or if the parents or family members would like to give blood in advance of the procedure.

Infection

• Because the adenoids' chief function is to gather bacteria, it is possible for bacteria to collect in the surgical site following surgery. In preparation for this, a physician may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections. However, symptoms such as swelling, fever or difficulty breathing may be signs of infection and should be treated.

Hypernasality

• Because the procedure takes place around the nasal cavity and tissues, a condition called velopharyngeal insufficiency can occur, which is when the nasal cavity does not completely close and air rushes into the nose when a person speaks. This causes a condition known as hypernasality, which can cause a change in voice pitch.

Difficulty Swallowing

• The area in the back of the throat may be swollen after surgery, which can cause difficulty swallowing. While this should not be a permanent effect, the area may not have healed properly, and trouble swallowing can occur. If the condition persists, a parent should seek medical help to ensure infection has not occurred.