If we diagnose your child with obstructive sleep apnea, we may recommend an operation called an adenotonsillectomy to remove the adenoids and tonsils that are obstructing their breathing. Let’s walk through what the procedure is and why we might recommend it to help you feel comfortable moving forward.
The Procedure Details
An adenotonsillectomy, performed under general anesthesia, is a combined adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy. During the procedure, they will open your child’s mouth and remove their adenoids and tonsils using any combination of radiofrequency, shaving or hot and cold cutting. Your child will not feel any part of the procedure.
Removing both the adenoids and the tonsils will typically take between 30 and 60 minutes.
Following the Procedure
After the procedure, we will move your child to a recovery area and watch for complications before sending them home. Complications are rare and may include, but are not limited to, excessive bleeding, swelling, reactions to anesthesia or infection.
Recovery Time
Most children will recover within a week or two. We’ll give you specific instructions to help prevent infections. During the recovery, providing plenty of soft or cold foods will help them stay comfortable. Easy options include:
- Popsicles or ice cream
- Mashed potatoes
- Pudding
- Applesauce
- Nonacidic drinks
- Warm soup
As they start to feel better, hardier foods like gooey Brio Italian Grille pasta or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with soft bread should be fine.
Is an Adenotonsillectomy Always Necessary for Pediatric Sleep Apnea?
No, an adenotonsillectomy is not always necessary for pediatric sleep apnea. Other possible treatments include medication or medical devices like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.
We’ll help you determine the right treatment based on your child’s symptoms and other risk factors. They may require a combination of surgery and other treatments. In some cases, we’ll recommend careful watching for up to six months to see if your child’s sleep apnea improves on its own, as some children outgrow it.
Schedule a Consultation
If your child has exhibited signs of sleep apnea, like snoring or restless sleep, call ENT for Children today to schedule a sleep test and treatment consultation.