Medical Procedures

[reesesmom]

We are about to have our daughters adnoids removed and I wanted to get some feedback from teh group as to whether or not this is a worthwhile surgery. I've heard conflicting opinions, so I am curious to hear what everyone has to say.

[MommaLovesYou]

Why are the adenoids removed? There are a number of well-established valid reasons for removal (called an adenoidectomy). Some patients will have more the one reason. The most common are listed below.

Blockage of the back of the nose...they are too big. This is now one of the more common reasons for removal. The adenoids may be large enought to cause "mouth breathing", snoring, or even sleep apnea (blockage of breathing during sleep). This degree of enlargement may be associated with chronic fluid or infection in ears. Inability to breathe throught the nose causes a reduction in smell (and therefore taste). This is most commonly seen in pre-school children but can exist as early as several months of age.
Chronic and recurrent fluid or infections of the ears. The adenoids may be enlarged or chronically infected to the extent that they cause ear problems...either recurrent infections or chronic fluid. The infection or blockage may affect eustachian tube function. An adenoidectomy is often recommended for children who continue to have ear problems after the first set of tubes. We will occasionally recommend an adenoidectomy with the first set of tubes if some of the other problems exist.
Chronic or recurrent sinus infections...or "rhinosinusitis". Similar to the problem with the middle ear, enlarged or infected adenoids may cause accumulation of nasal secretions or recurrent sinus infections. Many surgeons feel that an adenoidectomy is the most appropriate surgical procedure for young children with severe sinus problems.

[Mom of two]

This is a very good surgery and I highly suggest getting this done if the doctor want to and feels it’s necessary. When my oldest daughter went in for the surgery everything went perfect and her raspy voiced changed to a high pitched one but she was so much better off having the surgery.
Good link below as weel.

http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/ears/adenoids.html