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Adenoidectomy

Adenoids are collections of lymphoid tissue in the upper part of the nasopharynx. When they grow too large, they cause breathing difficulties, snoring, and frequent infections. Adenoidectomy surgically removes this tissue, relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.

Text reviewed by specialist:

dr Risto Vaikjärv

Ear, nose, and throat specialist, Somnologist

Published

Text updated

When to see a specialist

  • Persistent mouth breathing: Enlarged adenoids can cause persistent mouth breathing. 
  • Malocclusion caused by adenoids: Mouth breathing caused by adenoids can lead to dental occlusion problems. 
  • Snoring and impaired sleep quality caused by adenoids: Enlarged adenoids can cause snoring and nocturnal breathing pauses, i.e., sleep apnea. 
  • Glue ear: Often, adenoids are removed along with the insertion of shunts into the eardrum. Removing adenoids reduces the need for repeated shunting. 
  • Frequent rhinosinusitis and otitis media: In cases of frequent otitis media and persistent rhinosinusitis that do not respond to medication, adenoid removal may be offered. In such cases, the adenoid is removed as a source of chronic infections, and the reason for adenoid removal does not depend on its size.

Common symptoms

  • Frequent middle ear infections

    Frequent middle ear infections may be due to enlarged adenoids.

  • Persistent fluid in the middle ear, i.e., glue ear

    Glue ear can be caused by an enlargened adenoid.

  • Persistent mouth breathing in a child
    If a child frequently breathes through the mouth, especially during sleep. Enlarged adenoids can cause persistent mouth breathing.

  • Persistent runny nose (rhinosinusitis)

    Persistent runny nose that does not respond to medication.

How to prepare for your appointment

  • Bring your ID card or other identification document to the clinic. 
  • Before the operation, an ENT consultation is necessary to assess the suitability of the operation. 
  • Always inform the doctor about all your medications, supplements, and allergies. Blood-thinning medications should not be used for at least 14 days before surgery or as directed by your doctor. Omega-3 and cod liver oil supplements increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided 14 days before surgery. 
  • Come for the operation only when completely healthy. There should be no fever, acute cough, or rhinitis at the time of the operation. Inform the clinic if you have fallen ill.

What to expect during your appointment

Consultation

Before the operation, an ENT consultation is necessary to assess the general health condition and the suitability and necessity of the operation.

On the day of the operation

Before the operation under general anesthesia, the child must not have eaten for at least 6 hours and not drunk for at least 4 hours.

Operation

The adenoid is removed through the mouth. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, and the parent may stay with the child in the operating room until the child falls asleep.

After the operation

After the operation, the patient is monitored for a few hours in the recovery room. When waking up from general anesthesia, the child may be restless and confused, more tearful than usual. The parent can stay with the child the whole time. Adenoidectomy is a day surgery operation, and you can go home on the same day. 

Recovery

After the operation, snoring and nasal congestion may occur, which is caused by swelling of the wound area. The swelling usually subsides within a week. Nasal blowing can be started the next morning, carefully, one nostril at a time. Strong blowing can cause bleeding. After the operation, swallowing pain and pain radiating to the ears may occur. If necessary, painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen suspension) should be used, based on the child’s age and weight.

At home, you can eat normal food. If there are digestive problems, you can try low-fat foods (e.g., yogurt, kefir). If there is pain when swallowing, you can try soft and cool foods (yogurt, ice cream, broth, kissel, pureed soup, kefir, etc.). Sufficient fluid intake is important for recovery!

Specialists providing this service

Payment & Appointment Info

Prices

Tallinn

Special care
Service Price
Removal of adenoids The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 850 €

Everywhere else in Estonia

Special care
Service Price
Removal of adenoids The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 850 €
Payment methods

The service at Tartu Kvartal clinic is funded by the Health Insurance Fund based on a referral. To book an appointment funded by the Health Insurance Fund, please call +372 605 1500 or write to klienditugi@meliva.ee.

Referral

An appointment with a specialist is required first to assess whether the service is suitable or necessary.

Clinics offering this service

Related services

  • Audiometry
    Pure-tone audiometry is a hearing test that measures a person’s hearing threshold, which is the sound level they can hear at different frequencies.

  • CELON
    Turbinate reduction is a surgical procedure that improves nasal breathing by removing mucosal and bone tissue.

  • Ear irrigation
    Ear irrigation is a quick and safe procedure that helps remove excess earwax from the ear canal.

  • Ear shunting
    Ear shunting is a procedure in which a ventilation tube is inserted into the eardrum to drain fluid.

  • Ear, nose and throat doctor appointment
    An ear, nose, and throat doctor, or otorhinolaryngologist, helps diagnose and treat diseases of the ear, nose, and throat region.

  • Septoplasty
    Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects the nasal septum, which separates the nostrils, to improve nasal breathing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is adenoid removal recommended?

Adenoid removal is usually recommended when symptoms interfere with the child’s sleep, breathing, or hearing, and other treatment methods have not been sufficiently helpful.

How long does the operation take?

Adenoid removal is a relatively quick procedure. The operation itself usually lasts about 15–30 minutes, but with preparation and waking up, the hospital stay is longer. 

How quickly does the child recover? 

Most children recover quickly: they can go home on the same day, feel significantly better within a couple of days, and should take it easy for about a week. Sufficient fluid intake and rest are important.