Adenoidectomy (removal of adenoids) in Turkey: procedure and costs

Why remove adenoids?

Enlarged adenoids can significantly affect quality of life. By obstructing the back of the nose, they can promote:

• Respiratory problems: mouth breathing, snoring, sleep apnea.
• Chronic infections: recurrent ear infections, glue ear, sinusitis.
• Sleep disorders: restless sleep, waking up at night, sometimes bedwetting.
• Voice disorders: nasal voice, articulation difficulties.

Removing enlarged adenoids usually improves nasal breathing. The benefit on infections and sleep depends on the cause, which your ENT specialist will assess.

Etiological factors in adenoid hypertrophy

Adenoids are small tissues located behind the nose. When they enlarge, they can cause problems such as difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring and frequent infections.

Adenoid hypertrophy is a multifactorial phenomenon. The factors most often involved are:

• Recurrent infections: repeated throat infections, colds and middle ear infections can make the adenoids swell as they fight off microbes.
• Respiratory allergies: allergies to pollen, dust mites or other irritants can cause chronic inflammation of the adenoids.
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux: may contribute to inflammation of the back of the nose and throat.
• Anatomical factors: naturally large adenoids. A deviated nasal septum does not enlarge the adenoids, but it can add to nasal obstruction.
• Environmental factors: air pollution and cigarette smoke can irritate the respiratory tract and contribute to adenoid enlargement.

Adenoidal hypertrophy treatment in Turkey

The treatment of adenoidal hypertrophy depends on the cause and the symptoms it causes.

In the first instance, your doctor may prescribe medical treatments to relieve the symptoms:

• Corticosteroid nasal sprays: to reduce inflammation. Trials in children with moderate to severe adenoid enlargement show short-term improvement in nasal obstruction (Cochrane review, Zhang et al.).
• Antibiotics: only for confirmed bacterial infections.
• Antihistamines: if allergies are involved.

If medical treatment is not enough, or if there are complications such as sleep apnea or repeated ear problems, surgery (adenoidectomy) to remove the adenoids may be considered.

Procedure for adenoidectomy in Turkey

Adenoidectomy, or removal of the adenoids, is a common surgical procedure, often performed in Turkey.

Preparing for surgery

A preliminary consultation with an ENT specialist assesses your child's condition, explains the procedure in detail and answers any questions you may have.

As with all surgical procedures, fasting is generally required before the operation.

The operation phase

The operation is performed under general anesthesia. Your child will be asleep for the duration of the operation, which is usually short, under an hour.

During the operation, the surgeon uses a special instrument to remove the adenoids through the mouth, leaving no visible scars.

Post-operative phase

Your child will receive medication to relieve any pain. A little blood-tinged mucus from the nose or mouth is common in the first hours. Bright red bleeding or repeated spitting or vomiting of blood requires urgent medical attention.

For the first few days, it's best to offer soft, easy-to-swallow foods.

In most cases, your child will be able to go home the same day or the day after the operation.

A few days' rest are recommended before resuming normal activities. A return to school is generally possible about a week after the operation.

Don't hesitate to ask your doctor in Turkey any questions you may have. They will explain each step of the procedure and the warning signs to watch for at home.

Complications and recovery

Although adenoidectomy is a common procedure with a low complication rate, it's important to be aware of possible side effects. The most common are discomfort when swallowing and a little blood-tinged mucus, which usually settle within a few days. Significant bleeding is uncommon but needs urgent medical care. Infection may occur and is usually treated with antibiotics.

Most children recover quickly from the procedure. A slightly nasal voice and difficulty breathing through the nose may persist for a few days, and usually subside. A nasal voice that lasts beyond a few weeks is rare and should be checked by your ENT surgeon.