Our Summary

This research paper looks at how often children had to unexpectedly stay overnight in the hospital after having their adenoids removed. The study looked at over 3,000 children who had this surgery between 2010 and 2023. They found that only about 2.3% of these children had to stay overnight, most often because they felt sick to their stomach after the surgery. Breathing problems after surgery were rare. The study also found that kids were more likely to need to stay overnight if their surgery ended late in the day, if the surgery took a long time, or if the surgeon was less experienced. The research suggests that, overall, it’s safe and practical to do this surgery as a day procedure without an overnight stay. However, more research is needed to see if these findings hold true in other hospitals and for different groups of people.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of children had to stay overnight in the hospital after having their adenoids removed according to the study?
  2. What reasons were most commonly cited for children needing to stay overnight after adenoidectomy?
  3. Does the study suggest that adenoidectomy can be safely and practically performed as a day procedure without an overnight stay?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about adenoidectomy is to make sure to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the medical team, such as fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications. Additionally, it is important to have a clear understanding of post-operative care, including pain management, diet restrictions, and activity limitations. It is also important to monitor for any signs of infection or complications after surgery and to follow up with the medical team as directed.

Suitable For

Adenoidectomy is typically recommended for patients who have recurrent or chronic ear infections, sleep apnea, difficulty breathing through the nose, chronic sinusitis, or frequent sore throats. Adenoidectomy may also be recommended for patients with complications related to enlarged adenoids, such as middle ear fluid accumulation, nasal obstruction, or speech problems. Additionally, adenoidectomy may be recommended for patients who do not respond to conservative treatments such as antibiotics or nasal steroid sprays.

Timeline

Before adenoidectomy:

  • Patient may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing through the nose, frequent sinus infections, snoring, sleep apnea, or ear infections.
  • Patient and their family may meet with an ENT specialist to discuss the potential need for adenoidectomy.
  • Pre-operative tests or evaluations may be conducted to assess the patient’s overall health and suitability for surgery.
  • Patient may be instructed to stop taking certain medications or to fast before the surgery.

After adenoidectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to remove the adenoids, which typically takes about 30-45 minutes.
  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room for a period of time before being discharged home.
  • Patient may experience some discomfort, sore throat, or nasal congestion in the days following the surgery.
  • Patient may be advised to follow post-operative care instructions, such as taking pain medication, eating soft foods, and avoiding strenuous activities.
  • Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the patient’s recovery and address any concerns or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the reasons for recommending an adenoidectomy in my case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How experienced is the surgeon who will be performing the adenoidectomy?
  4. Will the surgery be performed as a day procedure or will I need to stay overnight in the hospital?
  5. What is the expected recovery time and when can I resume normal activities?
  6. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions that I need to follow?
  7. What are the potential long-term effects of having my adenoids removed?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  9. How likely is it that my child will experience breathing problems or other complications after the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific factors that may increase the likelihood of needing to stay overnight in the hospital after the adenoidectomy procedure?

Reference

Authors: Musella G, Ambrosoli AL, Palluotto A, Agrati S, Bernardini E, Battaglia P, Bignami M, De Bernardi F. Journal: Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2025 Apr;45(2):110-115. doi: 10.14639/0392-100X-N2940. PMID: 40353481