How is adenoid hypertrophy surgery performed?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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The adenoid is a lymphoepithelial tissue located in the nasopharyngeal region. Enlargement of the adenoid can block the nasal passages, leading to snoring and sleep apnea, often requiring surgical removal of the adenoid. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Firstly, we use a catheter to suspend the soft palate to expose the adenoid tissue. Then, using a nasal endoscope, with the right hand holding a plasma knife, the enlarged adenoid is ablated. The surgery involves inserting the nasal endoscope and adenoid knife through the mouth. The procedure is relatively short, lasting about five to ten minutes. There is very little bleeding after the surgery, making it truly a minimally invasive procedure.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Conservative treatment methods for adenoid hypertrophy

Adenoid hypertrophy refers to the enlargement of glandular tissue located in the nasopharynx, which blocks the nasal cavity or obstructs the pharyngeal opening of the Eustachian tube, leading to otitis media. Patients may experience symptoms such as snoring during sleep. Conservative treatment for adenoid hypertrophy mainly refers to medication therapy for enlarged glands. Medications such as mometasone furoate and montelukast sodium can be used, as well as inhalation therapy with medicated mists. Inhalation therapy primarily involves nasal cavity inhalation, such as using sprays. Overall, the efficacy of conservative treatment for adenoid hypertrophy is relatively poor. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the condition comprehensively and consider timely surgical treatment if necessary.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Adenoid hypertrophy is what?

The adenoid is a lymphoepithelial tissue located in our nasopharynx, and it has certain immune functions. Under the stimulation of various factors such as infectious or immune factors, the immune tissue and glands of the adenoid hypertrophy, leading to enlarged adenoids. Once the adenoids are enlarged, they can block our posterior nasal apertures and the pharyngeal opening of the Eustachian tube. This, in turn, can cause us to snore, breathe through the mouth, and lead to secretory otitis media. The progression of the condition can affect our hearing, impact physical development, affect the development of the facial and jaw regions, and result in an adenoid facies. Therefore, when clinical symptoms of adenoid enlargement appear, active management is generally required, mainly surgical treatment.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Does adenoid hypertrophy require surgery?

The adenoids are tissue organs located in our nasopharynx. Whether we need surgery after adenoid hypertrophy depends on two circumstances. The first is the degree of hypertrophy; if the adenoids are significantly enlarged, we might consider surgery. However, merely having enlarged adenoids is not enough; we need to see if the hypertrophy blocks the nasal cavity, obstructs our Eustachian tube, leads to adenoid facies, etc. If there are symptoms and secondary diseases, such hypertrophied adenoids, also known as adenoid hypertrophy, will necessitate surgery. If the adenoid hypertrophy is mild and presents no symptoms, we can temporarily observe without needing surgical intervention.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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How to check for adenoid hypertrophy?

Adenoid hypertrophy is mainly seen in infants and young children. Children with adenoid hypertrophy often also have enlarged tonsils. Therefore, it is important to ask if the patient breathes with their mouth open, snores, or has episodes of breath-holding. In older children, a nasal endoscopy can be performed to find that the adenoids block two-thirds or even up to three-quarters of the posterior nasal aperture. For smaller children who may not cooperate, imaging studies such as nasopharyngeal CT, X-rays, and lateral films can be used to detect adenoids. In the nasopharynx, the imaging will show the presence of soft tissue with clear boundaries from the surrounding areas.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Does adenoid hypertrophy have a strange smell?

Adenoid hypertrophy is a common ENT disease, mostly seen in infants and young children aged 5 to 7 years. Before surgery for adenoid hypertrophy, the blockage of the posterior nasal aperture can cause edema, inflammation, and purulent secretions in the sinus and nasal mucosa, leading to an unpleasant odor in the nasal cavity. Patients with adenoid hypertrophy usually need to undergo adenoidectomy using a plasma knife. After the surgery, local burns can cause necrosis of the mucosa, resulting in bad odors in both the nasal and oral cavities. Therefore, for patients with adenoid hypertrophy, the main approach is to maintain oral hygiene, which can help reduce the unpleasant nasal odors.