Adenoid removal, also called an adenoidectomy, is a common surgery to remove the adenoids. The adenoids are glands located in the roof of the mouth, behind the soft palate where the nose connects to the throat. The adenoids produce antibodies, or white blood cells, that help fight infections. Typically, the adenoids shrink during adolescence and may disappear by adulthood. Doctors often perform adenoid removals and tonsillectomies — removal of the tonsils — together. Chronic throat and respiratory infections often cause inflammation and infection in both glands.