Our Summary

This research study looked at the safety of adenoidectomy surgeries in kids aged 0-18 years in Sweden from 2007 to 2017. Adenoidectomy is a surgery to remove the adenoids, tiny lumps of tissue at the back of the throat. The researchers analyzed data from national health and death registers to see if there were any complications or deaths within 30 days of the surgery.

The study included over 50,000 adenoidectomy surgeries and found no deaths related to the surgery. They also found that complications were very rare. Only 0.1% of the surgeries led to a return visit due to bleeding, and only 0.1% required a hospital readmission due to bleeding. Bleeding severe enough to require a return to the operating room was even rarer, occurring in just 0.01% of cases. Most bleeding complications happened on the first day after surgery.

Other complications, like infections, were also rare, resulting in only 2.6% of outpatient visits and 0.2% of readmissions.

The researchers concluded that adenoidectomy is a very safe surgery with very few complications. They also noted that it seems to have fewer complications than tonsil surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is an adenoidectomy surgery?
  2. What were the main findings of the research study on adenoidectomy surgeries in kids aged 0-18 years in Sweden from 2007 to 2017?
  3. What types of complications were found to be associated with adenoidectomy surgeries in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about adenoidectomy is to be aware of the rare possibility of bleeding as a complication after surgery. It is important to monitor for any signs of excessive bleeding, such as persistent bleeding from the nose or throat, and seek medical attention immediately if any concerns arise. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions, such as avoiding strenuous activity and sticking to a soft diet, can help promote a smooth recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for adenoidectomy include those with:

  1. Chronic or recurrent ear infections
  2. Nasal congestion or blockage
  3. Obstructive sleep apnea
  4. Chronic sinus infections
  5. Chronic or recurrent sore throats
  6. Enlarged adenoids causing difficulty breathing or swallowing

It is important for patients and their healthcare providers to discuss the risks and benefits of adenoidectomy before deciding on surgery.

Timeline

Before adenoidectomy:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as difficulty breathing, snoring, recurrent ear infections, and sinus infections.
  2. Patient consults with an ENT specialist who recommends adenoidectomy after a thorough examination.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.

After adenoidectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgery to remove the adenoids.
  2. Patient may experience some pain and discomfort in the throat following the surgery.
  3. Patient is discharged home the same day or after a short observation period.
  4. Patient is advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
  5. Patient may experience some bleeding or infection, but these complications are rare and usually resolve on their own.
  6. Patient follows up with the ENT specialist for a post-operative check-up to ensure proper healing.
  7. Patient experiences improvement in symptoms such as better breathing and reduced ear and sinus infections.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with adenoidectomy surgery?
  2. How experienced is the surgeon in performing adenoidectomy procedures?
  3. What is the expected recovery time after the surgery?
  4. Are there any specific preoperative or postoperative instructions I should follow?
  5. How will pain be managed after the surgery?
  6. What are the potential long-term effects of adenoid removal?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to adenoidectomy that I should consider?
  8. Will there be a need for a follow-up appointment after the surgery?
  9. How will adenoidectomy affect my child’s ability to breathe, sleep, and speak?
  10. Are there any specific signs or symptoms I should watch for after the surgery that may indicate a complication?

Reference

Authors: Gerhardsson H, Stalfors J, Sunnergren O. Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2022 Dec;163:111335. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2022.111335. Epub 2022 Oct 4. PMID: 36265351