Adenoidectomy / Tonsillectomy
Adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy are operations performed to remove the adenoids (geniz eti) and tonsils (bademcikler) when they cause ongoing health problems. These structures are part of the immune system, but in some children and adults they become chronically enlarged or infected, leading to repeated throat infections, snoring, sleep apnea, difficulty swallowing and persistent mouth breathing. As an Otolaryngologist (ENT Specialist), Dr. Mustafa Çakır evaluates each patient carefully and recommends adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy or a combined procedure only when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
Adenoidektomi / Tonsillektomi
Doctor Mustafa Clinic
Adenoidektomi / Tonsillektomi
Adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy are operations performed to remove the adenoids (geniz eti) and tonsils (bademcikler) when they cause ongoing health problems. These structures are part of the immune system, but in some children and adults they become chronically enlarged or infected, leading to repeated throat infections, snoring, sleep apnea, difficulty swallowing and persistent mouth breathing. As an Otolaryngologist (ENT Specialist), Dr. Mustafa Çakır evaluates each patient carefully and recommends adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy or a combined procedure only when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
What Are the Adenoids and Tonsils?
The tonsils are two soft tissue masses located at the back of the throat, one on each side. The adenoids sit higher, behind the nose and above the soft palate, in an area that cannot be seen by simply opening the mouth. Both structures help the body recognize germs, especially in early childhood, but they can also become a source of chronic infection and obstruction.
In many children the adenoids and tonsils are relatively large, which is normal to a certain extent. However, when they become excessively enlarged or repeatedly diseased, they may cause symptoms such as loud snoring, restless sleep, breathing pauses at night, chronic nasal congestion, mouth breathing, recurrent sore throats and middle ear problems. In such situations, removing the problematic tissue can significantly improve quality of life.
When is Adenoidectomy or Tonsillectomy Recommended?
Not every child with big tonsils or adenoids needs surgery. Many will improve over time or respond well to medical treatment. Surgery is considered when problems are persistent, severe or significantly affecting health and daily life.
Adenoidectomy is often recommended when enlarged adenoids cause chronic nasal blockage, continuous or very frequent mouth breathing, recurrent or persistent middle ear infections and fluid behind the eardrum, and nasal-sounding speech or facial growth changes related to long-term mouth breathing.
Tonsillectomy may be advised in cases of recurrent tonsillitis with multiple documented infections per year despite appropriate antibiotics, severe episodes affecting school attendance and general wellbeing, enlarged tonsils leading to snoring and suspected sleep apnea, difficulty swallowing solid food or breathing comfortably, and complications such as peritonsillar abscess.
In many patients, especially children with both blocked nasal breathing and repeated throat infections or sleep-related breathing problems, adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy are performed together to address all contributing factors at the same time.
Evaluation with Dr. Mustafa Çakır
The decision to operate is always made after a detailed ENT evaluation. During the consultation, Dr. Mustafa Çakır asks about the frequency and severity of sore throats, episodes of fever, antibiotic use, school or work days missed, night-time breathing patterns, snoring, observed breathing pauses, restless sleep, daytime tiredness, concentration problems and any history of ear infections or hearing issues.
A careful examination of the throat, nose and ears is carried out. The size and appearance of the tonsils are assessed, and the nasal cavity and back of the nose are evaluated, sometimes with a small endoscope, to determine the size of the adenoids and their impact on airflow and the openings of the eustachian tubes (the channels that ventilate the middle ear). If sleep apnea is strongly suspected, additional tests or sleep studies may be discussed in selected cases.
After completing this assessment, Dr. Çakır explains whether surgery is indicated, which procedure (adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy or both) is recommended and what kind of improvement can reasonably be expected. He also discusses alternative options if surgery is not yet necessary, such as observation, medication or allergy management.
How Adenoidectomy and Tonsillectomy Are Performed
Both adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy are typically performed under general anesthesia, so the patient is fully asleep and feels no pain during the operation. The surgery is done through the mouth; no external incisions are made, so there are no visible scars on the face or neck.
In an adenoidectomy, the adenoid tissue is removed from the area behind the nose using special instruments or gentle suction/cauterization techniques. Care is taken to remove the obstructing tissue while protecting the surrounding structures. This opens the airway behind the nose and can also improve the ventilation of the middle ears.
In a tonsillectomy, the tonsils are carefully dissected away from the surrounding muscles of the throat. Different techniques may be used depending on the patient’s age, anatomy and clinical situation, but the goal is the same: to remove the diseased tissue safely while controlling bleeding and minimizing trauma to nearby structures.
When both procedures are required, adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy are usually performed in the same session. At the end of surgery, the patient is gently awakened from anesthesia and transferred to the recovery unit, where vital signs and comfort are closely monitored.
Recovery and Healing
Recovery after adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy varies slightly between children and adults, but some principles are similar. After the operation, mild to moderate throat pain, difficulty swallowing, changes in voice and a low-grade fever can occur, particularly in tonsillectomy cases. Younger children often recover more quickly, while adults may experience a somewhat longer and more uncomfortable healing period.
Pain is controlled with appropriate medication, and drinking plenty of fluids is essential to prevent dehydration and support healing. Soft, cool foods are usually better tolerated at first, gradually progressing to a more normal diet as swallowing becomes easier. In adenoidectomy alone, discomfort is often milder and recovery faster; in combined adenotonsillectomy, more rest and careful attention to the throat are needed.
It is normal to see white or yellowish patches where the tonsils used to be; these are healing surfaces, not infection. Light bleeding from the nose or mouth can occasionally occur in the early period, but any significant or persistent bleeding requires immediate medical attention. For this reason, Dr. Mustafa Çakır provides detailed written and verbal instructions before discharge, explaining what is normal, what is not, and when to seek urgent help.
Most children can return to school within about one to two weeks, depending on how they feel and the type of surgery performed. Physical activities, especially contact sports or very strenuous exercise, should be avoided for a longer period as advised by the doctor.
Benefits of Adenoidectomy and Tonsillectomy
For appropriately selected patients, adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy can bring substantial benefits. Children and adults with frequent tonsillitis often experience a dramatic reduction in throat infections, fewer antibiotic courses and less disruption to daily life. Those with obstructive symptoms may breathe more quietly and smoothly at night, snore less or not at all and wake feeling more rested. Parents often report improvements in their child’s energy, concentration, appetite and overall mood after recovery.
In children with persistent middle ear fluid related to adenoid problems, adenoidectomy (sometimes combined with ear tube placement) can improve ear ventilation and hearing. In many cases, the overall quality of life for both the patient and the family improves significantly once the chronic problems caused by enlarged or diseased adenoids and tonsils are resolved.
Risks and Safety
As with all surgical procedures, adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy carry certain risks. These include bleeding during or after surgery, infection, pain, temporary changes in voice or swallowing, and reactions to anesthesia. Rarely, more serious complications can occur. Dr. Mustafa Çakır carefully reviews the patient’s medical history, allergies, medications and any bleeding disorders before recommending surgery. He explains the possible risks in clear, age-appropriate language and describes the steps taken to minimize them, such as meticulous surgical technique, appropriate monitoring and detailed post-operative care instructions.
For most patients, when performed for the right indications and with proper follow-up, these procedures are safe and effective. The decision to operate is always the result of a shared discussion between the doctor, the patient and, in the case of children, the family.
A Thoughtful Approach to Pediatric and Adult Throat Surgery
Adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy are common ENT operations, but each patient’s situation is unique. Dr. Mustafa Çakır approaches every case individually, considering not only the throat and nose findings but also sleep quality, school or work performance, general health and family expectations. His aim is to provide relief from chronic problems while ensuring that the process is as safe and comfortable as possible, from the first consultation through surgery and recovery.