Paediatric ENT surgery

ENT procedures for children: tonsils, adenoids, insertion of ventilation tubes (grommets) and other common procedures, most often as day surgery.

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What is it?

Paediatric ENT surgery treats common conditions of the nose, throat and ears in children: recurrent throat infections, enlarged tonsils or adenoids interfering with breathing and sleep, and persistent glue ear affecting hearing. The most frequent procedures are removal of the adenoids (adenoidectomy), removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) and insertion of ventilation tubes (grommets) to drain glue ear. These brief procedures, performed under general anaesthesia, clearly improve the child's breathing comfort, sleep and hearing. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, these procedures involve a short hospital stay, most often as day surgery, performed by ENT surgeons experienced with children and a paediatric anaesthesia team. Parents receive simple instructions for monitoring and feeding during the first days.

When is it indicated?

Recurrent throat infections despite well-conducted medical treatment

When throat infections keep coming back despite treatment, removing the tonsils puts an end to this exhausting cycle for the child and family.

Enlarged tonsils or adenoids interfering with breathing at night

Oversized tonsils or adenoids obstruct breathing, especially at night; their removal restores free breathing.

Snoring with pauses in breathing during sleep

A child who snores loudly and seems to stop breathing during sleep deserves an ENT opinion: the procedure clearly improves sleep quality.

Persistent glue ear with hearing loss

Fluid trapped behind the eardrum muffles sounds; inserting small ventilation tubes drains it and restores hearing.

Recurrent acute middle ear infections

When ear infections follow one another, ventilation tubes help space out the infections and protect the child's ear.

Preparation

1ENT consultation to confirm the indication for surgery

2Hearing assessment if necessary

3Paediatric anaesthesia consultation

4Pre-operative fasting according to age-appropriate instructions

5Report any recent infection, which may postpone the procedure

Procedure

Welcome of the child and parents in the day hospital

Brief general anaesthesia adapted to the child's age

Procedure performed through the natural passages, with no visible scar

Monitoring in the recovery room

Light snack and check that eating has resumed properly

Discharge the same day in most cases, with monitoring instructions

Duration

20 to 45 minutes depending on the procedure

Aftercare & Recovery

Improvement is generally rapid: calmer breathing at night, fewer infections and recovery of hearing after grommet insertion. An adapted diet is recommended for a few days after a tonsillectomy. A follow-up consultation checks that recovery is progressing well.

Risks and side effects

Temporary sore throat after tonsillectomy, relieved by painkillers

Minor post-operative bleeding requiring prompt medical advice, rare

Natural extrusion of the grommets over time, sometimes followed by reinsertion

These risks remain rare. Your surgeon will inform you in detail before the procedure.

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Request a Quote +216 36 402 000

At a glance

Duration: 20 to 45 minutes depending on the procedure

Preparation: Required

Dedicated specialist team

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