Adenoidectomy
Adenoidectomy is a short operation to remove the adenoids — a small pad of lymphatic tissue at the back of the nose. When the adenoids are enlarged or chronically infected they block nasal breathing and the ear tubes, so removing them relieves mouth-breathing, snoring, and recurrent ear and sinus infections.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Adenoidectomy is one of the most common ENT procedures, performed mainly in children but occasionally in adults. The adenoids sit where the nose meets the throat and are part of the body's early immune defenses, but when they stay enlarged they obstruct airflow through the nose and block the Eustachian tubes that ventilate the middle ear. The surgeon removes the tissue through the open mouth, with no external cuts and no visible scar, often using gentle suction-cautery or a microdebrider for precise, low-bleeding removal. It is frequently combined with tonsillectomy or with insertion of ventilation (grommet) tubes when ear problems coexist.
For families travelling from abroad, a dedicated coordinator arranges the ENT consultation, any needed hearing or sleep assessment, and a clear treatment plan and transparent cost estimate before travel. Our specialists can review your child's records, scans and prior ear histories remotely, so much of the planning is settled before you arrive, and the short recovery suits a focused medical-tourism stay.
Who is a candidate?
- Children with persistently blocked noses, mouth-breathing and loud snoring caused by enlarged adenoids
- Children with recurrent or persistent middle-ear fluid (glue ear) or repeated ear infections despite treatment
- Children with frequent or chronic sinus infections linked to adenoid enlargement
- Children with sleep-disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea where adenoids are a major factor
- Adults with chronic nasal obstruction or recurrent sinus disease from residual adenoid tissue
- Patients fit for a short general anesthetic, confirmed at pre-operative assessment
What happens
- 1
Consultation and assessment
An ENT specialist examines the nose, throat and ears, often with a small camera, and may arrange a hearing test or sleep study to confirm that the adenoids are causing the symptoms.
- 2
Preparation
Your child is admitted on the day of surgery, fasts beforehand as instructed, and the anesthesia team reviews their health to plan a safe, brief general anesthetic.
- 3
The procedure
Under general anesthesia the surgeon removes the adenoids through the mouth using suction-cautery or a microdebrider, sealing small vessels as they go; there are no external incisions.
- 4
Recovery room
Your child wakes in the recovery area and is watched for a few hours. Most go home the same day, with some kept overnight if they are very young or had combined surgery.
- 5
Healing at home
Mild throat discomfort, a blocked-sounding voice and bad breath are normal for a few days. Soft foods, plenty of fluids and simple pain relief help, with most children back to school within a week.
Benefits
- Relieves chronic nasal blockage so the child can breathe and sleep through the nose again
- Reduces snoring and improves sleep-disordered breathing for the whole household
- Lowers the frequency of recurrent ear infections and persistent middle-ear fluid
- Decreases repeated sinus infections linked to enlarged adenoid tissue
- Quick procedure with no external scar and a short, predictable recovery
Risks & considerations
- Sore throat, blocked-sounding voice and bad breath for several days as the area heals
- Bleeding, which is uncommon but is the main reason for observation after surgery
- Temporary change in voice resonance that usually settles as healing completes
- Small risk of regrowth of adenoid tissue, occasionally needing further treatment
- The usual, low risks of a brief general anesthetic, assessed beforehand
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is performed by our Ear, Nose & Throat Department.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Adenoidectomy — frequently asked questions
Cost depends on whether the surgery is combined with tonsillectomy or ear-tube insertion, the type of anesthesia and length of stay. Your coordinator prepares a single, transparent estimate before you travel. Most families plan a short stay of a few days, as the procedure is usually a day case or one overnight.
Yes. You can send prior ear-infection histories, any hearing tests, sleep studies and scans for a remote review, so our specialists confirm whether adenoidectomy is appropriate and outline the plan before you arrive.
Voice may sound slightly different for a short time as swelling settles, then returns to normal. The adenoids are only a small part of a large immune system, so removing them does not leave a child unprotected against infection.
Frequently. It is commonly performed together with tonsil removal for sleep and breathing problems, or with insertion of ventilation (grommet) tubes when there is persistent ear fluid, all in the same anesthetic.
Many parents notice quieter sleep and easier nasal breathing within a couple of weeks, once the initial swelling settles and the airway opens up.
Mild cases may be managed with nasal sprays, allergy treatment and a period of watchful waiting. Surgery is considered when symptoms persist, sleep is disturbed, or ear and sinus infections keep recurring.
Related treatments
Considering adenoidectomy?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.