Paediatric Adenotonsillectomy in Sydney

What is an adenotonsillectomy?

An adenotonsillectomy is an operation to remove the tonsils (at the back of the throat) and the adenoids (at the back of the nose). In some children only the adenoids are removed (adenoidectomy), which is a shorter procedure with a quicker recovery.

Why might my child need it?

The most common reasons are:

• Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are a common cause of sleep-disordered breathing in children, and removing them is a first-line treatment for many children with obstructive sleep apnoea and enlarged tonsils.

• Recurrent tonsillitis. Frequent or severe throat infections that affect school, sleep or wellbeing.

• Blocked nose and mouth-breathing from large adenoids, sometimes together with glue ear.

Signs of sleep-disordered breathing

Snoring on most nights deserves assessment, especially with:

• Pauses in breathing, gasping, choking or laboured breathing during sleep

• Restless sleep, unusual sleeping positions, sweating or frequent waking

• Mouth-breathing, a blocked nose, morning headaches or difficulty waking

• Daytime hyperactivity, irritability, poor concentration or sleepiness

• Bedwetting, poor growth or concerns about school performance

Children with disrupted sleep may look overactive or inattentive rather than obviously sleepy. Many children improve substantially once the cause is identified and treated. Learn more in When children snore: why it matters (PDF), and complete the OSA-18 questionnaire (PDF) before your appointment.

Assessment

Assessment usually begins with a detailed sleep history and examination of the nose, tonsils, adenoids, jaw and growth. A sleep study or overnight oximetry may be recommended for some children. A short video of your child’s breathing while asleep can be very helpful. Dr Reddy works with the Sleep Medicine team at Sydney Children’s Hospital.

The operation and hospital stay

Surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. Your child goes home once they are comfortable, eating and drinking, with no concerns from you or the nursing staff. Adenoidectomy alone is usually a day-stay procedure. Some children need longer observation, particularly very young children or those with severe sleep apnoea or other medical conditions.

Recovery after tonsillectomy

• Pain lasts about 14 days and often peaks around days 5 to 7. It may also be felt in the ears or jaw.

• Regular paracetamol and ibuprofen, plenty of fluids and a return to normal foods as soon as possible all help healing.

• A white or grey coating in the throat and bad breath are normal parts of healing.

• Children need two weeks off school or childcare and should avoid sport, and should stay within 30 minutes of a major hospital during this time.

• Snoring may be worse for a few weeks while swelling settles.

Bleeding: if there is more than a tablespoon of bright red blood, or blood in vomit, go to the nearest emergency department immediately or call 000.

Detailed aftercare: tonsil and adenoid recovery guide (PDF) · adenoidectomy recovery guide (PDF).

Referral

GPs, paediatricians and other specialists can refer via HealthLink (Macarthur ENT EDI: macarent; My-ENT EDI: myentdr), email referrals@drrithvikreddy.com or use the online referral form. Dr Reddy consults in Sydney CBD, Gregory Hills and Campbelltown.

Dr Rithvik Reddy

Expert ENT services for adults and children.

Contact for appointments

Referring doctors can email referrals@drrithvikreddy.com to make appointment

Macarthur ENT

Shop 2101, Level 2, 31A Lasso Rd, Gregory Hills NSW 2557

Suite 102, Building B, Level 1, 4 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown NSW 2560

Phone (02) 4625 1682 · Fax (02) 4625 1032

Mon–Fri 8am–5pm

My-ENT, Sydney CBD

Suite 303, Level 3, BMA House, 135 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Phone (02) 9247 1762 · Fax (02) 9247 2141

Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm

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