What is adenotonsillectomy?

Adenotonillectomy is a surgery in which almonds and adenoids are removed. This procedure is most often performed in young children, although sometimes there are cases where it is indicated in adults. Surgeons, nose and neck are common candidates to perform the procedure, although it can also be performed by an oral surgeon or a child surgeon that specializes in working with children. Recovery times from adenotonsillectomy are usually relatively short and sometimes patients can return home on the same day as surgery.

Historically, the removal of adenoids and/or almonds was usually done to solve chronic inflammation and infection. Patients who have developed recurrent infections would be advised to remove this lymphatic tissue. Today, however, these structures are more often discarded to solve the airway obstruction. Scientists have realized that airway obstruction in early childhood can cause childhood problems, and this has led to an increase in recommendations for adenotonsillectomyu to make problems with the airways soon resolved. One of the most serious forms of respiratory obstruction that may occur is obstructive sleep apnea, in which the patient stops breathing at night because the airways become closed. Sleep apnea usually causes people to wake up, disrupt their sleep patterns and leads to health problems associated with sleep deprivation. In young children, sleep apnea may be particularly disturbing because they are still evolving.

In adenotonsillectomy, the patient is usually placed under general anesthesia and is monitored by anesthesiologist. The surgeon enters the mouth, removes adenoids and almonds, and controls any other signs ofabnormalities or poor health. Then the patient can be removed from anesthesia and healing. If the patient seems to be doing well, without signs of impaired lung function, he will be released. Sometimes the patient must stay overnight for monitoring.

oneThe main risks of adenotonsillectomy is a compromise for the respiratory system caused by anesthesia. Careful treatment of an anaesthesiologist paired with rapid work of the surgeon to minimize anesthesia time during adenotonsillectomy can reduce this risk, as well as the patient's proper aftercare, including the use of a motivational spirometer to promote a return to a healthy lung function. Another potential complication is an infection that is often prevented by the use of prophylactic antibiotics.