How Common Is Adenoid Surgery in Adults?
Adenoid surgery in adults is relatively infrequent and overall adenoidectomies have decreased during the past 50 years. Ninety percent of all adenoid surgery in the United States is performed on children under the age of 15. The surgical approach to dealing with problem adenoids has increasingly been replaced by a medical approach. Problems with the adenoids, the lymphoid tissues located high in the throat where the nose merges with the mouth, are first treated with medicine. Surgery is reserved for instances where other treatments have not been effective or if cancer is found.
In their role of aiding the immune system, adenoids capture disease-causing airborne germs and produce antibodies to destroy these germs. Unfortunately, adenoids are at risk for infection because they perform this role. Antibiotics can often clear up infections and prevent the need for surgical removal of the adenoids. By the time they reach puberty, most children outgrow repeated adenoid infections.
Adults with swollen adenoids that have not responded to medical approaches may require surgery. Infected or swollen adenoids can obstruct air passages and cause unpleasant symptoms. Snoring, blocked nose, nasal speech, and a dry sore throat can be symptoms of swollen adenoids. If the tonsils are also swollen, they can contribute to breathing difficulties by restricting the airway at the back of the throat. This becomes especially pronounced at night, when the muscles relax, and the decreased airflow to the lungs can cause sleep apnea.
Adenoid surgery in adults may be necessary if swelling and infection does not respond to medical treatment. The initial symptoms of adenoid problems can lead to more severe physical problems. Left unresolved, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure and heart problems. Infection in the adenoids can spread to the ears and sinuses.
If surgery is indicated, it is typically done on an outpatient basis. Adenoid surgery in adults is a relatively simple procedure. Preformed under general anesthesia, the surgeon removes the adenoids through the open mouth. No incisions are required. The area is cauterized to minimize bleeding. Time under anesthesia is approximately 20 minutes.
Recovery after adenoid surgery in adults takes about one week. Soft and bland foods are best until the surgery site completely heals over. Because there are no stitches, the cut area heals naturally. Symptoms that necessitated the surgery should be gone after a successful surgery. If the adenoids were the cause of obstructive apnea, with the removal of the obstruction normal sleep patterns should return.
Written by U. Ahern
