Side view of a person's face and neck, showing the locations of the adenoids and the tongue.
An adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the adenoids. The adenoids are two small clumps of tissue that are located in the back of the nose, high in the throat. Sometimes, adenoids swell up. When they swell, they can:

  • Make breathing difficult.

  • Make congestion or a stuffed-up nose worse.

  • Increase the risk of long-term (chronic) ear infections.

  • Cause snoring and sleep problems.

Removing the adenoids can help reduce these risks and symptoms. In this procedure, the adenoids are usually removed through the mouth.

Tell a health care provider about:

  • Any allergies you have.

  • All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.

  • Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.

  • Any bleeding problems you have.

  • Any surgeries you have had.

  • Any medical conditions you have.

  • Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

  • Infection.

  • Bleeding.

  • Allergic reactions to medicines.

  • Damage to nearby structures or organs.

  • Scarring.

  • Trouble swallowing.

  • Severe pain in the throat, ear, neck, or jaw.

  • Swelling.

Some other problems can occur, but they are rare. These include temporary changes in:

  • Your sense of taste.

  • Your voice.

What happens before the procedure?

Staying hydrated

Clear liquid drinks, including water, tea, coffee, and juice.
Follow instructions from your health care provider about hydration, which may include:

  • Up to 2 hours before the procedure – you may continue to drink clear liquids, such as water, clear fruit juice, black coffee, and plain tea.

Eating and drinking restrictions

Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating and drinking, which may include:

  • 8 hours before the procedure – stop eating heavy meals or foods, such as meat, fried foods, or fatty foods.

  • 6 hours before the procedure – stop eating light meals or foods, such as toast or cereal.

  • 6 hours before the procedure – stop drinking milk or drinks that contain milk.

  • 2 hours before the procedure – stop drinking clear liquids.

Medicines

Ask your health care provider about:

  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.

  • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines unless your health care provider tells you to take them.

  • Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.

General instructions

  • You may have a procedure in which your health care provider examines your adenoid tissue by inserting a thin scope with a camera (endoscope) through your nose.

  • Plan to have a responsible adult take you home from the hospital or clinic.

  • If you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have a responsible adult care for you for the time you are told. This is important.

  • Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco for at least 4 weeks before the procedure. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.

  • Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before the procedure or as told by your health care provider.

  • Ask your health care provider what steps will be taken to help prevent infection. These may include taking antibiotic medicine.

What happens during the procedure?

  • An IV will be inserted into one of your veins.

  • You will be given one or more of the following:

    • A medicine to help you relax (sedative).

    • A medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic).

    • A medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic).

  • A device will be used to hold your mouth open.

  • Your surgeon will remove your adenoids, typically through your mouth. Your surgeon may use suction, scraping, or burning (cautery) to remove your adenoids and to control the bleeding.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

  • Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until you leave the hospital or clinic.

  • If you were given a sedative during the procedure, it can affect you for several hours. Do not drive or operate machinery until your health care provider says that it is safe.

  • You will be given medicine for pain.

  • You may be given an antibiotic.

Summary

  • An adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the adenoids.

  • An adenoidectomy may be done to reduce snoring and sleeping problems, make breathing easier, and improve symptoms of nasal congestion. It can also decrease the risk of chronic ear infections.

  • Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating and drinking and about taking medicines before the procedure.

  • Plan to have a responsible adult take you home from the hospital or clinic.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.