On this page we cover:
- Tonsillectomy
- Adenoidectomy
- Sleep Study
Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of a child’s tonsils. ENT for Children may recommend the procedure if your child suffers from frequent tonsil infections, or has sleep apnea. The tonsils are two pads of tissue that are located in the outside portion of your child’s throat.
Tonsillectomy is typically done as an outpatient procedure, and the majority of times is done in conjunction with an adenoidectomy. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The child is usually given a sedative by mouth prior to entering the operating room. Your child then is administered anesthesia by a board certified pediatric anesthesiologist, who is in the room the entire surgery. The tonsils (and adenoids) are removed through the mouth and the techniques are surgeon preference. Recovery after surgery ranges between 1-3 hours, after which your child is discharged home after meeting predetermined discharge criteria. Recovery at home may range anywhere from 5-14 days.
Adenoidectomy
Adenoidectomy is the surgical removal of the adenoids. Adenoids are lymphoid tissue that are located above the tonsils and the roof of the mouth, and in the back of the nose. They can become enlarged to the point that they obstruct the back of the nose, making it hard to breathe through the nose. They may become a source of infection, producing repeated sinus infections in young children.
ENT for Children may recommend the procedure if your child suffers from repeated sinus infections or nasal airway obstruction.
Surgery for adenoidectomy is similar to tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, where it is typically a day surgery. The procedure is done under general anesthesia, and are removed through the mouth. Techniques for removal are surgeon dependent. Recovery at the surgery center is typically about an hour, and then your child is discharged home after meeting predetermined criteria for discharge. Recovery at home may average 1- 5 days.
Sleep Study
For children who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), ENT for Children might recommend a Polysomnography (PSG) or Sleep Study. OSA typically involves blockage of the airway during sleep. There are various anatomic causes of OSA that can result throughout the upper respiratory tract, from the nose to the larynx. The most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea in children is tonsils and adenoids.
The decision to order a sleep study is per the discretion of your surgeon, and is an option prior to consideration of surgery for suspected obstructed sleep apnea. Many times the history and physical exam are adequate to recommend surgery, but there are some instances that a sleep study is ordered prior to consideration of surgery. Sleep studies may be considered for children who have the following:
- Children with craniofacial abnormalities, including Down’s syndrome.
- Children with neurologic disorders (cerebral palsy, etc.).
- Children who are determined to be obese.
- Children under 2-3 years of age.
- To determine whether there is another sleep disorder (central apnea, narcolepsy, etc.).
- Children in which the exam does not match the history or vice versa.
There are a multitude of sleep centers in the Dallas Fort Worth area, but only a few who specialize in pediatric sleep studies. Also it is essential that a physician experienced in interpreting pediatric sleep studies review your child’s sleep study. You and your child will be able to stay together in a room for the sleep study and your child will be monitored throughout the night.
In the sleep study, wires will be connected to the child’s body and head. The wires will measure the brain wave activity during sleep and body movements. Also a belt will be placed around the chest and abdomen to measure the breathing. A probe will be placed on an extremity for measuring the oxygen level during sleep.