EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OF CHILDREN'S POLYPS WITH A FOCUS ON SAFETY AND SECURITY

Removal of Enlarged Adenoids (Adenoidectomy)

An adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove enlarged lymphoid tissue at the back of the nose, known as the adenoids (sometimes referred to in Denmark as "childhood polyps" or adenoide vegetationer). The procedure is performed when the adenoids obstruct the nasal airway, leading to chronic mouth breathing, snoring, or recurrent middle ear issues. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, and is done on an outpatient basis so your child can return home the same day.

What are adenoids?

The adenoids are a patch of lymphoid tissue located high in the throat, right behind the nose (in the nasopharynx). Part of the developing immune system, this tissue is typically at its largest in early childhood and naturally shrinks as the child grows.

In some children, however, the adenoids become so enlarged that they block the nasal passages and obstruct the Eustachian tube—the narrow channel connecting the back of the nose to the middle ear. This blockage can cause a chronically stuffy nose, mouth breathing, snoring, and persistent ear infections.

Note: Pediatric adenoids are structurally and medically entirely different from the "nasal polyps" that adults can develop.

What are the signs of enlarged adenoids?

Most symptoms of enlarged adenoids are related to restricted nasal breathing. Common signs include:

• Persistent mouth breathing and chronic nasal congestion
• Loud snoring and restless, disrupted sleep
• The classic "open-mouth" facial expression and frequent nasal discharge
• In toddlers, difficulty eating, as they cannot easily swallow and breathe through their nose at the same time
• Recurrent middle ear infections or fluid buildup behind the eardrum (glue ear), which can temporarily affect hearing

When should adenoids be removed?

The decision to perform an adenoidectomy is always based on a specialist's medical evaluation. Surgery is typically recommended when symptoms are persistent and significantly affect the child’s quality of life.

An adenoidectomy is often indicated when a child cannot breathe comfortably through their nose, or when fluid buildup in the middle ear requires recurrent ear tube insertions (grommets). Because the adenoids and tonsils are both lymphoid tissues and frequently swell together, our specialists will also assess whether the tonsils require treatment.

How is the operation performed?

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The surgeon carefully removes the enlarged adenoid tissue through the mouth, leaving no external scars. If the swollen tissue has caused fluid buildup in the ears, the procedure is often combined with the insertion of tiny ear tubes (grommets) into the eardrums. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, and children can safely go home on the same day after a brief recovery period. We offer adenoidectomies for children from the age of 2 and older.

What is the recovery like after an adenoidectomy?

For most children, recovery is quick and smooth, allowing them to return to their normal routines shortly.

• Pain & discomfort: Most children experience only mild discomfort for the first few days, which typically resolves completely within a week.
• Return to school/daycare: Children are usually ready to return to school or kindergarten after 4 to 7 days.
• Temporary symptoms: It is normal for some children to experience mild hoarseness or temporary bad breath during the first week of healing.

You will receive detailed, written instructions on post-operative care and a gentle pain management plan on the day of the surgery.

Does an adenoidectomy improve a child's breathing and sleep?

Yes. When snoring, restless sleep, and chronic mouth breathing are caused by enlarged adenoids, parents usually notice an immediate and dramatic improvement in their child's sleep and breathing patterns after the procedure. Additionally, by clearing the airway and opening the Eustachian tubes, the surgery significantly reduces the frequency of middle ear issues.

Adenoidectomy at Charlottenlund Private Hospital

At Charlottenlund Privathospital, pediatric adenoidectomies are performed in a highly safe, welcoming environment by leading ENT specialists. We perform a high volume of these procedures annually, welcoming both public patients (via our tender agreement with the Capital Region of Denmark / Region Hovedstaden) and private-pay or insurance-covered patients.

Our specialized pediatric anesthesiology and recovery team is highly experienced in reassuring young children, ensuring that the entire experience is as stress-free, safe, and comfortable as possible for both you and your child.

Sources:

- Danish National Board of Health: National clinical guideline for treatment with eardrum drainage – on pediatric polyps, middle ear fluid and adenoidectomy.