Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
At Aglow ENT Centre, our child ENT specialist and experienced medical team understand the concerns that come with caring for a young child. For any issues related to the ear, nose, or throat, our team is dedicated to providing compassionate care and addressing all your concerns to boost your child’s well-being.
What are Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy?
Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are surgical procedures to remove enlarged tonsils (small, round pieces of tissue at the back of the throat) and adenoids (similar tissues in the back of the nose), respectively. Often, these procedures are performed simultaneously, and together they are referred to as a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, or T&A.
These surgeries are most commonly performed in children who experience repeated throat infections that do not respond well to medications. At Aglow ENT Centre, our experienced ENT specialist will determine if the surgery is beneficial for your child, particularly if these infections cause functional problems such as obstructive sleep apnoea (disrupted sleep due to pauses in breathing), trouble swallowing, or breathing difficulties.
In order to help you and your child feel confident and well-prepared for the surgical procedure, our ENT specialist will help you thoroughly understand the benefits and potential risks. She will walk you through what to expect during the surgery.
Typically, the procedure is conducted through the nose and mouth, so there are no visible cuts on the face or neck. Most of the time, it’s performed on an outpatient basis, but an overnight stay might be necessary depending on your child’s specific condition.
What is the Success Rate of Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy?
Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are generally regarded as effective measures to improve obstructive sleep apnoea in children, with most patients experiencing improvements after the surgery.
What are the Benefits of Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy?
- Reduction in Throat Infections: Removing the tonsils and adenoids helps decrease the frequency of infections like tonsillitis and strep throat.
- Fewer Ear Infections: Removal of the adenoids often helps reduce the occurrence of ear infections, which are commonly associated with blocked ear canals.
- Improved Breathing: Removing enlarged tonsils and adenoids opens the airway, making it easier for the patient to breathe, especially at night or during sleep.
- Enhanced Quality of Sleep: Children suffering from sleep apnea due to obstructed airways may experience enhanced sleep quality after surgery.
- Reduction in Snoring and Sleep-related Issues: This surgery can help alleviate issues like snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep.
What are the Potential Side Effects of Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy?
As with any surgery, there are potential side effects. In the case of a T&A procedure, some children may experience the following common side effects: sore throat, ear pain, voice changes, bad breath, snoring and white patches in the throat. Rest assured, these usually resolve on their own.
Although these potential side effects may sound daunting, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of the procedure. Leaving conditions such as repeated infections or obstructive sleep apnoea untreated could lead to severe health complications for your child in the future.
When in doubt, our dedicated paedatric ENT specialist at Aglow ENT Centre is ready to provide close guidance, providing optimal surgical treatment for your child.
When should you see an ENT specialist in Singapore?
Please consult an ENT specialist if you are suffering from any ear, nose, or throat symptoms. It is also advisable to visit an ENT doctor if you experience persistent mouth breathing due to a chronic blocked nose or encounter snoring issues.
Dr Ker Liang sees adults and children for general ENT conditions and provides comprehensive management in a broad range of Ear, Nose, and Throat, as well as Head and Neck conditions. She has a special interest in treating throat and voice conditions, including persistent sore throat, voice issues, snoring, and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).
Medical Teaching
Assistant Professor Ker Liang has a passion for teaching and is an Assistant Professor with NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (YLLSOM). As the NUS-NUH Otolaryngology Department Undergraduate Medical Director, Dr Ker Liang supervises the training of medical students from YLLSOM, NUS. She is actively involved
in the training of postgraduate junior doctors and residents in the Head and Neck Surgery department. She was conferred with an Undergraduate Teaching Award by the National University Health System in 2016 for her outstanding efforts as an Otolaryngology educator.
Medical Teaching
Assistant Professor Ker Liang has a passion for teaching and is an Assistant Professor with NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (YLLSOM). As the NUS-NUH Otolaryngology Department Undergraduate Medical Director, Dr Ker Liang supervises the training of medical students from YLLSOM, NUS. She is actively involved
in the training of postgraduate junior doctors and residents in the Head and Neck Surgery department. She was conferred with an Undergraduate Teaching Award by the National University Health System in 2016 for her outstanding efforts as an Otolaryngology educator.
