Adenoidectomy

This guideline applies to children, young people and adults.

 

Introduction

Adenoids are lymphatic tissue that reside in the postnasal space and arise from the roof of the nasopharynx. They are only usually present in children and tend to grow from birth, reaching the largest size when a child is between 3 and 5 years of age, before slowly shrinking away by adulthood.

When enlarged or inflamed, adenoids may contribute to glue ear, nasal blockage, mouth breathing, obstructive sleep and other upper respiratory tract symptoms.

 

Referral Criteria

Adjuvant adenoidectomy will be funded:

1. In children (under 12 years old):

• as part of the treatment of glue ear if:
• child is undergoing grommet surgery for treatment of hearing loss due to glue ear
• child is undergoing surgery for re-insertion of grommets due to recurrence of previously surgically treated glue ear

 

2. In children as part of treatment of:

• obstructive sleep apnoea or sleep disordered breathing
• chronic rhinosinusitis

 

3. In children and adults:

• for persistent nasal obstruction with adenoidal hypertrophy 
• for biopsy purposes when cancer is suspected; where adenoids are asymmetrical and/or suspicious lesions are present 
• in preparation for speech surgery in conjunction with cleft surgery team

  

 References

• NHS CIOS ICB Treatment Policies
• NHS CIOS Commissioning Policies and Evidence-based Interventions

 

Page Review Information

Review date	15th May 2025
Next review date	15th May 2027
GP speciality lead	Dr Laura Vines