Third tonsil surgery in children prevents shortness of breath and poor hearing
Tonsillectomy surgery is one of the oldest and most frequently performed surgical procedures in otorhinolaryngology, especially in children.
Adenoidectomy refers to the procedure of removing the third tonsil. The third tonsil develops from birth and grows until the age of 6 or 7, after which it gradually decreases.
In the case of enlargement of the third tonsil, there is an accumulation of bacteria and viruses that cause inflammatory diseases of the nose, sinuses and throat. For this reason, the third tonsil is often surgically removed.
An enlarged third tonsil is a common cause of otitis media in children, leading to obstruction of the Eustachian tube , which consequently causes ear infection.
Obstruction of the Eustachian tube also causes sound conduction disorders in the ear and to impaired hearing, the so-called serous otitis. 50% of children under one year of age and 60% of children under 2 years of age suffer from serous otitis.
Given that the enlargement of the third tonsil mechanically interferes with the flow of air from the nose to the pharynx, a common symptom is shortness of breath, accumulation of secretions in the nose, snoring and difficulty breathing during the night – apnea.
The third tonsil, also known as adenoid vegetation or adenoids , is a cluster of lymphatic tissue located at the back of the nasal pharynx (epipharynx). We have a third tonsil from birth and then its enlargement begins.
The growth of the third tonsil is part of the normal development of the child, it usually reaches its size around the age of 7 at the latest and gradually decreases and disappears by puberty.
Given that children are prone to frequent infections, there may be an enlargement of the third tonsil , which causes breathing difficulties, snoring, otitis media, or hearing difficulties.
Due to its position, the enlarged third tonsil cannot be seen by a classic ENT examination, but for the purpose of diagnosis it is necessary to do an endoscopic examination of the nose, the so-called fiberendoscopy.
If endoscopic examination confirms enlargement of the third tonsil, it is necessary to consider the option of surgical removal, that is, adenoidectomy (operation of the third tonsil).
We will decide on surgical therapy if there are the aforementioned symptoms of obstruction of the air flow, frequent ear infections and poor hearing or frequent sinusitis.
The child will present symptoms in the form of a typical facial expression with a constantly open mouth, watery eyes, sometimes with saliva oozing from the mouth – in the medical profession, this set of symptoms is called facies adenoidea.
Third tonsil surgery in children is usually done from the age of 3 years onwards. Depending on the frequency and intensity of symptoms, third tonsil surgery can be safely performed even earlier, from 6 months of age .
The advantage of removing the third tonsil in children is in improving the quality of life and general health of the child. Adenoidectomy in children means fewer infections of the ear, throat and sinuses.
By eliminating the cause of hearing impairment, we ensure normal speech development and cognitive development. Normalizing breathing during the night means better sleep, less irritability during the day, and better social interaction with other children.
In certain cases, however, surgery on the third tonsil cannot be performed. Mostly due to the existence of other diseases that could cause unwanted complications after the procedure.
In most cases, third tonsil surgery is performed successfully and without much risk.
After the indication for adenoidectomy is set, it is necessary to prepare the child, as well as the parents, for the surgical procedure.
The child needs to be explained as much as possible about what is going to happen, appropriate to his age and ability to understand. The more the child understands the procedures, the less surprised and scared he will be, so the whole procedure will be less stressful.
At the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic, we always make sure that children are as comfortable as possible, we entertain and animate them so that they willingly participate in the whole process. In addition to their great expertise, our doctors at paediatric otorhinolaryngology have a warm and caring approach to their “little patients”, and parental cooperation is essential for them.
Given that the surgery is performed under general anesthesia, it is necessary to perform certain blood and urine tests beforehand:
The results of these tests should not be older than 2 weeks. On the day of the procedure, the child must be on an empty stomach, i.e. he must not eat or drink the previous day from midnight.
The procedure is performed in children under general anesthesia, but the procedure itself takes about 15 minutes. After waking up from anesthesia, the child is usually monitored for some time in a hospital setting. If there is no bleeding, it can be released home on the same day for postoperative care.
At the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic, we use modern surgical methods that ensure good results and help reduce postoperative pain.
In our outpatient clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, we have gathered an internationally recognized team of doctors closely specialized in solving individual problems that occur in the ear, nose and throat (ENT) and head and neck area, in adult patients and children.
Our doctors and medical staff will give you information about the postoperative course and instructions for action at home.
It is normal for a sore throat to occur after surgery on the third tonsil. The child may have ear pain and fever. Of the drugs, it is recommended to use antipyretics and analgesics as directed by the doctor.
It is necessary to give the child enough fluids and ensure rest. You should not strain, cough, wheeze and the like. Visits should be avoided, each visitor is a potential source of infection that can cause complications after the procedure
A few days after the operation, it is possible to breathe poorly through the nose. Nasal speech can also develop, which passes spontaneously after 2 to 3 weeks.
Children usually recover very quickly after the procedure. They feel postoperative pain and discomfort for a relatively short time. About two weeks after the procedure, a return to daily activities and a return to school follows.
Parental approach is a significant factor in children’s recovery. It is necessary to insist on sufficient fluid consumption and make sure that the child is at rest in the days immediately after the procedure.
Complications after surgery of the third tonsil in children are generally rare, most often bleeding can occur , which in most cases stops spontaneously. Less common are cases in which a repeat operation is required to stop bleeding.
It is possible to develop inflammation at the site of the procedure , which requires antibiotic treatment. The occurrence of the inflammatory process can be prevented if the child is provided with enough fluids and does not allow visits that could bring with them pathogens.
As with any surgery performed under general anesthesia, there may be side effects related to the use of general anesthesia. In case of vomiting, symptoms of dehydration and long-term pain in the ears, it is necessary to contact a doctor as soon as possible.
In general, the occurrence of complications after surgery of the third tonsil is rare. It is a routine procedure that takes a short time. With proper postoperative care and following the instructions of the medical staff, we ensure a successful recovery of the child after the procedure and a quick return to normal activities.
In case you need surgery or just suspect that something is wrong, do not wait – make an appointment for your child today by calling +3851 2444 646, or by filling out the online form.
The main goal of LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with top-notch healthcare services.
