Inform your doctor even if your child has a slight cold or vomiting. Your doctor may ask you to postpone the surgery. Performing the surgery while having a cold or any other health issues increases the risk of complications.
Your doctor may ask you to get a blood test done of your child to check if there’s an issue in blood clotting or if the count of white and red blood cells are normal. This helps to ensure there’s no bleeding disorder during the surgery.
Make sure you inform your doctor if your child is allergic to any medications.
What Happens During Adenoidectomy?
Your child will be given general anaesthesia before the surgery, which means they will be asleep during the surgery. For the procedure, the surgeon will use instruments to get an inside view of the throat and nasal cavity. The surgeon will access the adenoids via the back of the throat. No external incisions are made during the surgery. The adenoid glands are removed. The procedure does not take more than an hour.
What is the Recovery Period of Adenoidectomy?
The recovery period is different based on individual to individual. In most cases, the patients are allowed to go back on the same day. In complicated cases, they may need to be kept under observation for a few days.
It may take a few days or weeks for complete recovery. During the recovery period, your child may experience pain and discomfort accompanied by bad breath and a sore throat. They may be advised to have plenty of cold liquids to aid in recovery.
The child may resume their regular activities within two weeks. Since there are no stitches involved, the operated area may heal on its own.
Post-Surgical Care for Adenoidectomy
- Make sure your kid consumes soft food that does not require much chewing.
- They should stay hydrated.
- It is normal to have a fever. But if the temperature rises above 102-degree F, seek medical help.
- Do not let them blow their nose.
- Do not let them consume hot, spicy, and crunchy foods.
- Desserts and cold food may be soothing for the operated throat.
- Some of the food options to include in their diet are ice cream, sherbet, yogurt, pudding, fruit juice, and soft-cooked vegetables.
- You can take the help of an ice pad or ice collar to help your child get rid of the pain. You can make your own ice collar using a waterproof bag and placing ice cubes in the bag.
- No strenuous activities should be done for at least 10 days. Before letting them resume regular routine, consult your doctor if your child is fit.
Learn more about issues of the Ears, Nose, and Throat here.