Adenoidectomy is surgical removal of the adenoids; commonly performed along with tonsillectomy. Adenoids are a mass of lymphoid tissue located behind the nasal passages. This is a quick and straightforward procedure with very few risks. The surgery is less commonly performed in adults in whom adenoids are considered vestigial and purposeless. It is most often done on an outpatient basis under general anaesthesia. It takes about 30 minutes to perform and is carried out in hospital by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon. There is a small risk of complications such as infection, bleeding or an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic. The subject of whether or not adenoids should be removed has been a topic of controversy in the medical community.