Our Summary

This research paper is a study of all pediatric adenoidectomies (surgery to remove the adenoids) carried out in a region in Germany in 2019. The study aimed to understand the occurrence of complications after this kind of surgery.

The research found that the majority of these surgeries were conducted on 3-year-old children and boys made up about 60% of the patients. In some cases, this surgery was combined with tonsillotomy or tonsillectomy (surgery to cut or remove the tonsils).

Complications after surgery were rare, but did occur. About 1.1% of children had postoperative bleeding that needed additional surgery, and about 1% had a wound infection. The risk of complications was slightly higher in children with additional health conditions, underweight children, and those who also had a tonsillectomy. The use of antibiotics during surgery also increased the risk of complications.

However, the overall complication rate was very low, proving that adenoidectomy is a very safe surgery. The main risk factor for bleeding complications was found to be additional tonsillectomy, not adenoidectomy itself.

FAQs

  1. What age group and gender composed the majority of pediatric adenoidectomies in the German study?
  2. What were the most common complications following adenoidectomy, and how often did they occur?
  3. What factors were found to increase the risk of complications after adenoidectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about adenoidectomy is to make sure to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, sticking to a soft diet, and taking prescribed medications as directed. It is also important to keep the surgical site clean and watch for any signs of infection or excessive bleeding. By following these instructions carefully, the patient can help ensure a smooth and successful recovery from the surgery.

Suitable For

In conclusion, adenoidectomy is typically recommended for children who suffer from frequent or chronic ear infections, sinus infections, difficulty breathing through the nose, or sleep apnea. It is also recommended for children with enlarged adenoids that are causing obstruction in the airway. The surgery is generally safe and effective, with a low rate of complications. However, certain factors such as additional health conditions, underweight status, and the use of antibiotics during surgery may increase the risk of complications. Overall, adenoidectomy is a common and successful procedure for improving the health and quality of life of pediatric patients.

Timeline

Before adenoidectomy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as difficulty breathing through the nose, chronic nasal congestion, snoring, sleep apnea, and frequent sinus infections.
  • Patient and their parents consult with an ENT specialist who recommends adenoidectomy after a thorough examination and possibly additional tests.
  • Surgery date is scheduled and patient undergoes pre-operative preparations, which may include blood tests, physical examination, and instructions on fasting before surgery.

After adenoidectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove the adenoids, which typically takes about 30-45 minutes under general anesthesia.
  • Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room and may stay in the hospital for a few hours or overnight for observation.
  • Patient may experience some pain, sore throat, and nasal congestion after surgery, which can be managed with pain medication and nasal decongestants.
  • Patient is advised to rest at home for a few days, avoid strenuous activities, and follow a soft diet to help with healing.
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s recovery and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about adenoidectomy may include:

  1. What is the reason for recommending an adenoidectomy for my child?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. Are there any alternative treatments or options available?
  4. What is the recovery process like after an adenoidectomy?
  5. How long will it take for my child to fully recover and return to normal activities?
  6. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions that I should follow?
  7. What are the signs of complications that I should watch out for after the surgery?
  8. How often will follow-up appointments be needed after the surgery?
  9. What is the success rate of adenoidectomy in improving my child’s symptoms?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations to be aware of after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Losgar H, Boeger D, Buentzel J, Hoffmann K, Podzimek J, Kaftan H, Mueller A, Tresselt S, Geißler K, Guntinas-Lichius O. Journal: Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 31;15(1):27967. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-13803-9. PMID: 40745469