The adenoids are at the back of the nose; they are part of the immune system and are made of the same tissue as the tonsils. They also perform the same function as the tonsils. If the adenoids are enlarged they can block the nose and lead to a snoring noise. It used to be thought that only children suffered with enlarged adenoids. However, now we are able to look at the back of the nose easily with the nasendoscope, we have found that many adults also have enlarged adenoids.

The adenoids are removed through the mouth. Using a mirror the adenoids are visualised and with a special diathermy tool the adenoids are removed. The back of the nose/throat tends to be sore for a few days but is not usually very painful. The main risk of the operation is bleeding this is rarely severe.