Česky
When is it a good idea to remove the nasopharyngeal tonsil?
If the patient suffers from repeated upper tract infections and is left with a permanently enlarged - swollen - nasopharyngeal tonsil. Also if he has a long-standing stuffy nose, snores, and breathes through his mouth during the day. Also, if he suffers from recurrent otitis media and upper respiratory tract infections or has short-term breathing stoppages in his sleep.
Is there an alternative to adenotomy?
An adenotomy - removal of the nasopharyngeal tonsils - is not an acute surgical procedure, but it can help children a lot. Initially, every ENT doctor tries to put on conservative treatment - sea water, nasal drops, possibly antihistamines and topical corticosteroids. Only when that doesn't help, they recommend removing the enlarged tonsil that is causing the problem.
From what age can a child have this procedure?
There is no absolute age limit. In our hospital, we perform these procedures on patients from the age of 2 years. Another criterion is the minimum weight of the pediatric patient, which must be at least 10 kilograms. However, we most often operate on preschool children, but adolescent patients are no exception.
Do you perform the procedure under general anaesthesia?
Yes. The child will first be given premedication - a drug to relieve him/her of the stress and fear of the operation. He is more relaxed, calmer and does not cry afterwards. One of the parents can then accompany the child to the operating room, where our operating team takes over. We give him anaesthetic and start the operation.
How long does the operation take? What happens afterwards?
The operation itself takes on average 15-20 minutes. The entire procedure from being put to sleep to waking up can take 30-35 minutes. After waking up, the patient is picked up by the pediatrician and nurse and transferred from the operating room back to the monitored bed in the pediatric ward. Here he or she remains with the parent for approximately another 4-6 hours. The child is under the supervision of the medical staff on the monitor throughout this time and we continuously visit him/her for check-ups. Before he is discharged home, we do a follow-up ENT examination and instruct the parents on how to continue caring for him at home.
Should the child follow a more gentle regimen after the procedure?
Of course. The first day after the procedure, he should not sniffle and must increase his nasal hygiene - disinfecting the nasal cavity, for example with sea water. He may also have a slightly elevated temperature. If it persists for several days, it is better to seek a catchment ENT clinic.
We also recommend that parents stay at home with the child for the first two days. After that, she can go out for a short walk, but without physical exertion - no cycling or other sports. It is important that the child observes a rest period for two weeks after the procedure while the nasopharynx heals. And for at least the first 10 days after surgery, we recommend that he or she stay out of the child's company to prevent possible viral or other infections.
What are the benefits of adenotomy for the patient?
After the removal of the enlarged nasopharyngeal tonsil, the patient's nasopharynx is freed up and he/she can breathe better through the nose again. He is less likely to suffer from otitis media and upper respiratory tract diseases. The previously removed nasopharyngeal tonsil often regrew - recurrence occurred. We now check the nasopharyngeal vault with an optical device (endoscope) after the procedure to prevent possible recurrence.
How can parents book their child for the procedure/adenotomy?
They can book an appointment for the surgery through the Children's Ward Secretariat on 725 359 563.
Do they need a referral from a doctor?
Yes. From their treating ENT doctor.
