What should I expect after the operation?
Adenoidectomy can usually be performed as a day procedure. However, patients who have been experiencing obstructive sleep apnoea may require an overnight stay in hospital for observation.
It is a relatively painless procedure with children returning to normal activity within a couple of days
Patients may experience some of the following:
some bloodstained or mucoid discharge from the nose which usually settles after a few days
an unpleasant smell that is noticeable after a few days and usually disappears after a week
nasal obstruction as a result of swelling - this may not clear immediately but usually improves after a few days following surgery
How long before my child can return to school?
Children may return to school 2-3 days after the operation.
Best to avoid swimming for 10 days
Can the adenoids grow back?
Yes this happens in about 5 -10% of patients and is more likely to happen in younger children
Red flag symptoms
Should your child develop a stiff or painful neck or difficulty in swallowing then you will need to contact us without delay. This is an extremely rare complication where there is inflammation of the ligaments in front of the spine that causes neck muscle spasm. The treatment is admission for intravenous antibiotics and neck support.