What is an adenoidectomy?

An adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure specifically designed to remove the adenoids, which are small masses of lymphatic tissue located at the back of the nasal cavity. This procedure is often performed when the adenoids become enlarged or infected, leading to breathing difficulties, recurrent ear infections, or obstructive sleep apnea in young patients. By excising the adenoids, the surgery aims to alleviate these issues and improve the patient's overall health and quality of life.

The other options refer to different medical procedures. A biopsy of lymphatic tissue involves taking a sample of tissue for examination, but it does not involve the removal of the adenoids. The removal of the thyroid gland is known as a thyroidectomy, not an adenoidectomy. Lastly, surgical drainage of nasal passages pertains to procedures aimed at clearing blockages or infection from the sinuses, which is different from the specific act of removing the adenoids. Therefore, the correct definition of adenoidectomy is the excision of the adenoids.