Endoscopic Adenoidectomy: Safe and Painless Adenoid Removal

Adenoids (pharyngeal tonsil) are an organ of the immune system that protects a child’s body from infections. However, with frequent colds, they can enlarge so much that they completely block the nasopharynx. The child stops breathing through the nose, starts snoring, frequently suffers from otitis, and experiences oxygen deficiency (hypoxia). If medical treatment is no longer effective, the only effective solution is adenoidectomy — surgical removal of the adenoids.

Dear parents! Forget the scary stories from your own childhood about adenoid removal “live” amidst screams and tears. At St. Luke’s Clinic, this operation is performed according to advanced European standards: under light medical sleep and with optical video control. Your child will simply fall asleep and wake up with the ability to breathe freely.

When is surgery inevitable? (Indications for adenoidectomy)

ENT surgeons at our clinic prescribe surgery only for strict medical indications, when adenoid hypertrophy (enlargement) is grade 2-3 and threatens the child’s health:

• Complete absence of nasal breathing: the child constantly breathes with an open mouth (both day and night).
• Breathing pauses during sleep (sleep apnea syndrome): the child snores, sleeps restlessly, may stop breathing for a few seconds, which leads to oxygen starvation of the brain.
• Frequent ear complications: recurrent purulent otitis or gradual hearing loss (exudative otitis), as the adenoids block the auditory (Eustachian) tubes.
• Formation of an “adenoid face type”: due to a constantly open mouth, the child’s bite is disturbed, the jaw is deformed, and the face acquires an elongated, tired expression.
• Constant illnesses: continuous colds, bronchitis, and prolonged rhinitis.

Why choose endoscopic (shaver) adenoidectomy at our clinic?

Previously, adenoids were removed “blindly” with a special loop knife (adenotome). Because the doctor could not see the nasopharynx, part of the tissue often remained, and the adenoids grew back. In addition, it was painful and frightening for the child.

We use endoscopic shaver adenoidectomy technology:

1. No psychological trauma: The operation is performed under high-quality general anesthesia (medical sleep). The child sees nothing, feels no pain, and does not remember the process.
2. Microsurgical precision (no relapses): The surgeon inserts a miniature video camera (endoscope) into the nose. The image is displayed on a monitor. The doctor sees the nasopharynx under multiple magnification and uses a shaver (a micro-instrument that carefully grinds and suctions adenoid tissue). The adenoids are removed completely — the risk of them growing back is reduced almost to zero.
3. Bloodless: All blood vessels are instantly coagulated (cauterized), so the operation is practically bloodless and maximally safe.

Recovery after surgery

Adenoidectomy is surprisingly well tolerated by children. Already 15-20 minutes after the operation, the child wakes up in a comfortable ward of our hospital next to mom or dad. After a few hours of observation, you can go home.

In the first days after adenoid removal, it is important to:

• Feed the child soft, warm (not hot!), pureed food so as not to scratch the throat. Carbonated drinks, crackers, and sour juices are prohibited.
• Limit physical activity: no running, jumping, or active games for 1-2 weeks.
• Avoid overheating: cancel hot baths (only warm showers), do not visit saunas, and do not stay in direct sunlight.
• Slight sore throat and minor nasal congestion due to postoperative swelling are possible — this is a temporary phenomenon that passes in a few days.

Do not let your child suffer from oxygen deficiency! Give them free breathing and sound sleep. Schedule a consultation with the ENT surgeons at St. Luke’s Clinic.