Our Summary

This research paper looks at the factors associated with the need for a second adenoidectomy (surgery to remove the adenoids) in children. The study analyzed hospital records of patients under 18 who underwent at least one adenoidectomy between 2000 and 2016. The study found that 2.5% of patients needed a second surgery. The study revealed that girls were more likely than boys to need a second surgery, and patients who had been prescribed more than five courses of antibiotics before their first surgery were also more likely to need a second one. Other factors linked to the need for a second surgery included a diagnosis of middle ear infection, asthma, acid reflux, and allergies. Furthermore, children who were older than 4 at the time of their first surgery and those whose adenoids blocked more than 75% of the nasal passage were more likely to require a second surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the percentage of children who needed a second adenoidectomy according to the study?
  2. What factors were found to be associated with the need for a second adenoidectomy in children?
  3. Were there any age or gender correlations found in the study related to the need for a second adenoidectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about adenoidectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. This may include keeping the surgical site clean, avoiding strenuous activity, and taking prescribed medications as directed. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor healing and address any concerns. Additionally, maintaining good overall health habits, such as staying hydrated and getting enough rest, can help support the recovery process after adenoidectomy.

Suitable For

Based on this research, patients who may be recommended adenoidectomy include:

  1. Children who have had multiple courses of antibiotics before their first surgery
  2. Children with a history of middle ear infections, asthma, acid reflux, and allergies
  3. Girls, who were found to be more likely than boys to need a second surgery
  4. Children older than 4 at the time of their first surgery
  5. Children whose adenoids block more than 75% of the nasal passage

It is important for healthcare providers to consider these factors when determining if a patient may benefit from adenoidectomy, as well as to monitor patients post-surgery to ensure optimal outcomes and potentially prevent the need for a second surgery.

Timeline

Before adenoidectomy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as chronic nasal congestion, snoring, sleep apnea, ear infections, and difficulty breathing
  • Patient and their parents may consult with an ENT specialist who recommends adenoidectomy as a treatment option
  • Pre-operative consultations and tests are conducted to assess the patient’s overall health and determine if surgery is necessary
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient undergoes adenoidectomy procedure under general anesthesia

After adenoidectomy:

  • Patient may experience post-operative symptoms such as sore throat, ear pain, and nasal congestion
  • Patient is monitored in the hospital or outpatient setting for a few hours after surgery
  • Patient is advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a few days following surgery
  • Patient may need to take pain medication and eat a soft diet to aid in recovery
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and address any complications or concerns
  • Patient may experience improvement in symptoms such as improved breathing, reduced snoring, and decreased frequency of ear infections post-surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with adenoidectomy surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after adenoidectomy surgery?
  3. Will my child need to stay overnight in the hospital after the surgery?
  4. How will adenoidectomy surgery affect my child’s breathing and voice?
  5. Are there any long-term effects of adenoidectomy surgery that I should be aware of?
  6. What is the likelihood of my child needing a second adenoidectomy surgery in the future?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered instead of surgery?
  8. How can we manage my child’s symptoms and prevent the need for a second surgery?
  9. Should my child avoid any specific activities or foods after adenoidectomy surgery?
  10. How often should my child follow up with you after the surgery to monitor their progress?

Reference

Authors: Johnston J, Mahadevan M, Douglas RG. Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2017 Dec;103:125-128. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2017.10.023. Epub 2017 Oct 18. PMID: 29224752