How to Remove Adenoids to Drain Fluid Behind the Ears

The adenoids are a mass of soft tissue located in the back of the throat at the end of the nasal cavity. Adenoids function to help avoid throat infections in infants and stop functioning after about the age of three. The adenoids often become swollen and infected blocking the passageway that drains the fluid behind the ears causing ear infections. This may be the main reason to surgically remove the adenoids.

Things You'll Need

• Surgical instruments General anesthesia Surgical sponges Adenoid curette

Instructions

1. The patient (usually children) is brought into the operating room and placed on the operating table in the supine position. General anesthesia is administered and an endotracheal tube is placed.

2. A special mouth gag designed to expose the oral cavity and throat is inserted. The neck is hyperextended and the gag is supported on a mayo stand to retain the exposure.

3. The oral cavity and throat is visually inspected for any abnormalities. The adenoids are inspected with the aid of a dental mirror. A special instrument called an adenoid curette is used to excise the adenoids from the throat and removed.

4. The area where the adenoids were removed is packed with surgical gauze to control bleeding. They are left in place for several minutes and removed. The area is inspected to assure the complete removal of all adenoid tissue. The area may be cauterized to control the remaining bleeding.

5. The mouth gag is removed and the patient emerges from the anesthesia. The patient is removed from the operating table and transferred to the recovery area.