Breathe, sleep, and feel more comfortable by addressing troublesome tonsils and adenoids. Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy remove tissue that may contribute to throat infections, nasal blockage, snoring, or sleep-disordered breathing. At Surgical Associates Northwest, our ENTs offer personalized care for children and adults, recommending surgery only when necessary.
Reduce recurring throat and breathing problems
Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are procedures that remove the tonsils, adenoids, or both when these tissues contribute to ongoing infections, breathing problems, or other symptoms. They are separate procedures but often performed together, particularly in children.
Tonsillectomy
A tonsillectomy removes the tonsils, two pads of tissue located at the back of your throat. It may be recommended for repeated tonsillitis or strep throat, enlarged tonsils that affect breathing or sleep, tonsil stones, or tonsil inflammation. Depending on your needs, our ENTs may remove the tonsils completely or use an intracapsular technique that preserves a thin tissue layer.
Adenoidectomy
An adenoidectomy removes the adenoids, a patch of tissue located behind your nose and above the roof of your mouth. Enlarged or chronically inflamed adenoids can block airflow and contribute to snoring, sleep-disordered breathing, or recurring ear problems. Adenoidectomy is especially common in children and may be performed alongside tonsillectomy in some cases.
What do tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy treat?
Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy can address problems caused by tonsils or adenoids that become repeatedly infected, chronically inflamed, or enlarged enough to interfere with breathing and sleep. Depending on your symptoms, one or both tissues may need treatment. Our ENTs may consider tonsil or adenoid surgery for:
- Recurrent tonsillitis or strep throat
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Chronic tonsil inflammation
- Frequent or bothersome tonsil stones
- Persistent nasal obstruction
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Loud or ongoing snoring
- Restless or disrupted sleep
- Sleep-disordered breathing
- Recurrent middle ear problems associated with enlarged adenoids
- Persistent fluid behind the eardrum
Adult vs. pediatric tonsillectomy
Tonsil surgery is common in children, but adults may need it too. Children are often evaluated because of enlarged tonsils, snoring, sleep-disordered breathing, or recurring throat infections. Adenoid problems are also much more common during childhood. Adults may seek treatment for repeated tonsillitis or strep throat, chronic tonsil inflammation, tonsil stones, enlarged tonsils, or breathing and sleep concerns. Our ENTs tailor the surgical approach and recovery guidance to each patient’s age, health, symptoms, and needs.
Reasons children may need adenoidectomy
Adenoids normally help the immune system recognize germs, but they become less important as children grow. When they become enlarged or repeatedly inflamed, they can cause problems rather than help. Your child may be evaluated for adenoidectomy if they experience:
- Persistent nasal blockage or mouth breathing
- Frequent or ongoing adenoid infections
- Snoring or sleep-disordered breathing
- Recurrent middle ear problems
- Fluid behind the eardrum
- Ear problems that occur alongside enlarged adenoids
Traditional tonsillectomy
Intracapsular Tonsillectomy
An intracapsular tonsillectomy removes most of the tonsil while leaving a thin layer of tissue that covers the underlying throat muscles. For properly selected patients, preserving this protective layer may mean less postoperative pain and a faster recovery than total removal.
Traditional Tonsillectomy
A traditional, or total, tonsillectomy removes the entire tonsil. This may be more appropriate for certain patients, including those with particular patterns of recurrent infection or other considerations. Our surgeons will explain which option makes the most sense for you.
Coblation technology for tonsil surgery
At Surgical Associates Northwest, our surgeons can perform intracapsular tonsillectomy using Coblation technology. Coblation uses radiofrequency energy with a saline solution to remove tonsil tissue at relatively low temperatures. This allows our surgeons to precisely remove most of the tonsil while preserving a thin layer over the throat muscles. This minimally invasive procedure may reduce postoperative discomfort and support a faster recovery.
When are tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy performed together?
Tonsils and adenoids are separate tissues, but both can contribute to similar problems. When enlarged tonsils and adenoids are affecting a child’s breathing or sleep, removing both during the same procedure may be appropriate.
The procedures may also be combined when recurrent infections or other ENT problems involve both areas. Adenoidectomy can sometimes be performed alongside ear tube placement when enlarged or inflamed adenoids contribute to recurring middle ear problems. Our ENTs recommend the combination that best addresses your child’s specific symptoms.
What to expect during recovery
After tonsil or adenoid surgery, some throat discomfort is normal while the area heals. You may also notice changes in appetite, energy, or sleep during the first part of recovery. Drinking plenty of fluids is especially important.
Recovery varies depending on your age and the procedure performed. Adenoidectomy alone is generally easier to recover from than tonsillectomy, while adults often need more recovery time after tonsil surgery than children. Our team will give you clear instructions for eating, drinking, pain management, activity, and returning to school or work.
Why Choose Surgical Associates Northwest?
Surgical Associates Northwest is a trusted ENT practice that has cared for families throughout the South Puget Sound community for 40+ years. Our ENTs treat you like family, taking time to understand your symptoms and recommend surgery only when it makes sense for your needs. This approach has helped us care for multiple generations of local families. Schedule your consultation for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in Auburn or Federal Way, WA, today.
