WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What do I need to know about an adenoidectomy? An adenoidectomy is surgery to remove your child's adenoids. Adenoids are located at the back of your child's nasal passage. They may need to be removed if they are enlarged or if they cause frequent infections. How should my child prepare for an adenoidectomy? Your child's healthcare provider may tell your child not to eat or drink after midnight the day of surgery. He will tell you what medicines your child may or may not take before his surgery. What will happen during an adenoidectomy? Your child will have general anesthesia and be asleep during surgery. Your child's healthcare provider will remove the adenoids through your child's mouth. There will be no incisions or stitches. Your child may be able to go home the same day of his surgery. He may need to stay in the hospital if he has breathing problems or other medical conditions. What will happen after an adenoidectomy? Your child may have a low-grade fever for 1 to 2 days after his surgery. Your child may snore or breathe through his mouth due to swelling in his throat. His breathing will return to normal after the swelling goes down. Your child should not bleed from his mouth or nose after he goes home. If he starts to bleed from his mouth or nose, contact his healthcare provider immediately. Your child may have bad breath that is caused by scabs that form where his adenoids were removed. These thick, white scabs fall off in small pieces 5 to 10 days after surgery. What are the risks of an adenoidectomy? Your child may get an infection. Throat pain may cause your child to not eat or drink enough, and he may become dehydrated. Swelling in his throat may cause your child to have difficulty breathing. |