Patient's question:
Can a 23-month-old child with adenoid hypertrophy undergo surgery? If possible, which hospital would be better to have the surgery at? I sincerely request advice from renowned experts.Doctor's answer:
In the past, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy were commonly performed. However, most doctors now do not advocate for surgical treatment, and parents are also reluctant to accept it. There are several main reasons for this. First, the child is too young and unwilling to cooperate during surgery, which makes the procedure more challenging. Second, performing general anesthesia on very young children during surgery is itself a form of harm. Third, traumatic surgery can easily lead to complications such as bleeding. The fourth and most important reason is that removing this vital health defense mechanism in the child's body completely eliminates local resistance. If the child encounters viruses or bacteria, it not only makes them more susceptible to upper respiratory infections but also poses a direct threat to their lungs. Some existing low-temperature ablation methods are also traumatic surgeries and similarly reduce local resistance.Instead, it is advisable to seek treatment at a formal hospital using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM is the safest and most effective treatment. TCM emphasizes strengthening and improving the body's defense system, both overall and locally, and can promote the spontaneous atrophy of the hyperplastic tissue. TCM decoctions can be prepared into syrup for children to take, making it convenient and palatable. This fundamentally addresses the health issues caused by adenoid hyperplasia in children and minimizes the impact on their growth and development.