Blocked nose, permanent cold, recurrent middle ear infections, snoring, hearing problems. These are common problems bothering our children, associated with tonsillitis. But who wouldn’t be reluctant to undergo surgery…let alone to subject their own child to such an intervention. Is there a solution other than conventional surgery? Vaclav Pavelec M.D. PhD answers our questions.
What are the symptoms of enlarged adenoids?
An enlarged adenoid in children usually results in snoring, blocked nose, pauses in breathing, ear inflammations, nasal cavity infections, hearing problems and similar. It happens because the adenoid blocks the passage between nose and pharynx and presses on the tubes airing the middle ear.
When is it recommended to have the adenoids removed?
If a child is having any such difficulties and is older than 1,5 ¨C 2 years. Should an enlarged adenoid not be removed, it may lead to long-term consequences such as hearing impairment, incorrect jaw development and malocclusion. Unlike tonsils, removing adenoids does not weaken the immune system.
What are the treatment options?
In a standard hospital a surgeon uses a cutting (curette) instrument to cut off the adenoid. Several-days hospitalization is needed and parents are usually not permitted to stay overnight with the child patient. We offer an alternative outpatient treatment, using PLASMA to evaporate the adenoid.
What does the process involve?
The child is admitted in the morning, accompanied by his/her parent who can be present while the anesthesia takes effect and also when the child wakes up after the operation. The operation is carried out by plasma unless the parents wish otherwise (we can use standard laser as well). When releasing the patient, parents are provided with the surgeon´s mobile number, who is happy to assist or answer any questions at any time.
Do you think that the presence of parents is of any benefit?
For the child, absolutely. He/she feels more relaxed when mum is there holding his/her hand before and after the operation. I have four kids myself and I would definitely prefer to keep an eye on them and simply be with them in their hour of need.
Why PLASMA?
After the endoscopic adenoidectomy carried out by plasma (Coblation (R)), we rarely experience any bleeding and the patient can be released just a few hours after the operation.