Preparing your child and explaining what to expect will go a long way to making the day smooth and enjoyable for everyone. Please feel free to call the play specialist on the 5th floor to discuss the books and games which are available to help prepare your child for surgery. Parents are made to feel welcome and as involved as they wish.
Adenoidectomy alone or with grommet insertion is usually a day case procedure.
Your child is usually admitted late on the morning of the surgery to acclimatize to the environment. You will also be seen by the anaesthetist (Dr. Adrian Lloyd Thomas), the resident doctor (a paediatrician) and Mr Albert to confirm details of the surgery and for you to sign the consent form.
Breakfast at least 6 hours before surgery is a good idea as it reduces any hunger. Clear fluids can be given up to 2 hours before surgery. Topical anaesthetic cream (The Magic Cream) will be put on and covered with a clear plastic film. This numbs the skin so that the anaesthetist can give the drugs needed to start anaesthesia. See Dr Lloyd-Thomas's own page for details
The operation takes 10-15 minutes though your child may be away for as long as 1/2 hour. You will be called in good time to be with your child as he/she recovers.
Suction diathermy adenoidectomy vaporizes the adenoids under video control (or with a mirror) so that all the adenoid is removed. The diathermy technique avoids the risk of bleeding during and after the operation.
Most children are a little disorientated and thirsty after the procedure and may cry despite adequate analgesia. Once they are fully awake and have had a drink they quickly improve and can go home shortly after.
Once at home most children do well with little or no pain. Occasionally there is a bad smell from the mouth and very occasionally a stiff neck which settles. Both are usually prevented by the antibiotics you will be given. The speech may change as the obstruction has been removed from the nose but will almost always normalise in the next few days or weeks.
Children usually return to school on the Monday after Wednesday surgery, though it is sensible to keep them away from children with infections for about a week. If your child becomes unwell and develops a high temperature or if there is any sign of bleeding, please contact me or the hospital immediately. Decision on surgery