Adenoid surgery is one of the most common ENT operations performed in childhood. In recent years, thanks to endoscopic visualization, both safety and comfort have increased. It often does not require hospitalization; the child can be discharged on the same day after a short rest period following surgery.
First Hours After Surgery
After surgery, when the child wakes up and comes to, there may be mild sore throat, nasal congestion, or a small amount of bloody discharge from the nose. This condition is temporary and usually subsides within a few hours. For the first 3-4 hours, the child should rest, then be given room temperature water or clear liquids. Afterwards, soft-textured, lukewarm foods (soup, pudding, yogurt, puree, pasta) should be preferred. Vomiting is usually due to anesthesia medications or swallowed blood and passes quickly; do not panic.
Nutrition Recommendations
• First days: Give lukewarm, soft, and easy-to-swallow foods.
• Things to avoid: Hot, spicy, acidic foods and beverages.
• Plenty of fluid intake accelerates healing and ensures faster recovery of the mucosa.
Medication Use
Pain relievers recommended by the doctor and antibiotics if necessary should be given regularly.
Do not give medication on your own; especially aspirin and similar blood thinners should not be used.
Bleeding Situation
In case of fresh red blood from the nose or mouth, consult a doctor without delay. Light pink or brownish discharge is usually not significant.
Sleep and Breathing
For several days after surgery, the child may sleep with mouth open or snore. This condition is usually caused by swelling in the adenoid area and resolves on its own within a month.
Return to School and Activities
Generally, 3-5 days after surgery, the child can return to school or daily activities.
However, activities such as swimming and heavy exercise should be avoided for at least 10 days.
Follow-up Examination
A follow-up examination is usually performed within 7-10 days after surgery. The healing status is evaluated during this check-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is adenoid surgery a painful procedure?
No. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, the child feels nothing during the procedure. Afterwards, there may only be mild sore throat or nasal congestion.
2. Do adenoids grow back after surgery?
Yes, although rarely, adenoid tissue can grow back. This possibility is slightly higher especially if the surgery had to be performed under 2 years of age, in children with allergic constitution or those who frequently have upper respiratory tract infections.
3. Is antibiotic mandatory after surgery?
Not in every patient. The doctor evaluates the need for antibiotics based on the findings during surgery.
4. Does snoring stop immediately?
In some children, snoring and nasal congestion may continue for a few more weeks. This condition is related to swelling and completely resolves over time.
5. Does immunity weaken in children whose adenoids are removed?
No. Adenoid is not the only defense tissue in the body. When it grows excessively and causes obstruction, its removal, on the contrary, allows the child to breathe more comfortably, sleep better, and become more resistant to infections.
Adenoid surgery, adenoid surgery, post-adenoid care, snoring in children, adenoid symptoms, post-adenoidectomy, adenoid recurrence, adenoids and sleep apnea
Prof. Dr. Elif Aksoy
