Our Summary

This research paper looks at the risk factors related to the regrowth of adenoids and the frequency of secondary surgeries to remove them. Adenoids are small lumps of tissue at the back of the throat that help fight infection in children. However, sometimes they can grow too large or get infected and need to be removed in a procedure called an adenoidectomy.

The researchers looked at English-language studies from the past 25 years that had more than five participants and presented clear data on these topics. They found 20 studies that fit their criteria, which included over 143,000 cases of adenoid removal surgeries.

On average, the first surgery took place when the child was about 4.6 years old. If the adenoids grew back and had to be removed again, the second surgery usually occurred when the child was about 5.4 years old.

In the studies they looked at, 8% of children experienced adenoid regrowth. Only 2% needed a second surgery. Of these, 14% had allergic rhinitis (a type of allergy affecting the nose) and 9% had asthma. The main reasons for needing the first surgery were symptoms like snoring, nasal obstruction, and middle ear disease.

However, the researchers note that because the studies they looked at were so different, they couldn’t draw a direct cause-and-effect conclusion about why some children experience adenoid regrowth and others don’t.

FAQs

  1. What are adenoids and why might they need to be removed?
  2. What is the average age of children who undergo adenoidectomy and how often do adenoids regrow?
  3. What were the main reasons for children needing an adenoidectomy in the studies examined?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about adenoidectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, eating soft foods, and taking prescribed medications as directed. Additionally, keeping the nasal passages clear and using a humidifier can help alleviate discomfort during the recovery process. Regular follow-up appointments with the doctor are also important to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for adenoidectomy are children who have symptoms such as snoring, nasal obstruction, and middle ear disease. In some cases, children with allergic rhinitis or asthma may also be recommended for adenoidectomy. The decision to perform an adenoidectomy is typically made by an ear, nose, and throat specialist after evaluating the child’s symptoms and medical history.

Timeline

Before adenoidectomy:

  • Child experiences symptoms such as snoring, nasal obstruction, and middle ear disease
  • Consultation with an ear, nose, and throat specialist
  • Diagnosis of enlarged or infected adenoids
  • Discussion of treatment options, including adenoidectomy
  • Pre-operative appointment to discuss procedure and anesthesia

After adenoidectomy:

  • Surgery typically takes place when the child is around 4.6 years old
  • Recovery period of about 1-2 weeks, with possible discomfort, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing
  • Follow-up appointment with the surgeon to ensure proper healing
  • Relief from symptoms such as snoring and nasal obstruction
  • Possible regrowth of adenoids, leading to a second surgery around 5.4 years old (if needed)
  • Continued monitoring for any recurrence of symptoms

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the risks and potential complications of an adenoidectomy?
  2. How long is the recovery period after the surgery?
  3. What symptoms or issues indicate that adenoid removal may be necessary?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or medications that could be considered before opting for surgery?
  5. How likely is it that the adenoids will regrow after the initial surgery?
  6. What signs should I watch for that may indicate the adenoids are regrowing?
  7. What is the typical age range for children to undergo an adenoidectomy?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to reduce the risk of adenoid regrowth?
  9. How often will follow-up appointments be needed after the surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or implications of having adenoids removed at a young age?

Reference

Authors: Paramaesvaran S, Ahmadzada S, Eslick GD. Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2020 Oct;137:110220. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2020.110220. Epub 2020 Jul 11. PMID: 32896343