Adenoidectomy

Your consultant will first assess your symptoms and medical history to confirm whether surgery is appropriate.

This will include:

• a review of your symptoms and medical history

• a physical examination of the throat

• assessment of sleep-related breathing (if needed)

• review of infection frequency and severity

• evaluation of other contributing factors

If an adenoidectomy is recommended, this will take place as a day-case procedure in our state-of-the-art Surgery Centre. The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic, which means you’ll be asleep throughout the procedure.

The procedure usually takes around 60 minutes, including anaesthetic time.

During the procedure:

• your anaesthetist will give you medication to ensure you’re asleep throughout the procedure

• your surgeon will access the adenoids through your mouth, so there are no external cuts

• modern surgical techniques, such as diathermy, coblation, or Celon systems, may be used to remove the adenoids and control bleeding

• the area is carefully checked to ensure bleeding has stopped

It’s very common for adenoidectomy to be performed alongside other procedures, especially tonsillectomy, when clinically appropriate. If this is the case, your consultant will explain what this involves. 

After the procedure, you’ll be monitored while the anaesthetic wears off. Once you’re comfortable and stable, you’ll be discharged home with clear aftercare instructions.

An adenoidectomy is a commonly performed and generally safe procedure. As with any surgery carried out under general anaesthetic, there are some risks.

These are similar to other ear, nose and throat procedures, and your consultant will explain these in detail during your consultation.

Before your procedure, your care team will guide you through preparation. This may include:

• making sure you’re well before surgery

• sharing details of your medical history, medications, and any allergies

• following advice on medications before surgery

• making small lifestyle adjustments if recommended

• arranging time off and support at home after the procedure

• following fasting instructions before your anaesthetic

• bringing essential items on the day

After surgery, most patients return home the same day. As you’ll have had a general anaesthetic, you’ll need to arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you for a few hours while you recover at home.

Your consultant will provide clear aftercare guidance, including:

• managing any discomfort

• when to return to normal activities

• follow-up arrangements if needed

Aftercare may differ if you’ve also had a tonsillectomy. Your consultant and nursing team will provide you with all the information and advice you need.

Adenoidectomy is covered by most private health insurance companies, and we also welcome self-paying patients. For pricing information, please get in touch with our Surgery Centre.

Our team can guide you through pricing, insurance cover, and available payment options following your consultation.

At Welbeck, our ENT specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book an adenoidectomy, you must be referred by either your GP or an ENT specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck ENT consultant, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients.