Results of surgical treatment of choanal atresia.

During a period of 19 years we have treated 65 infants with choanal atresia. Thirty of them showed a bilateral atresia, thirty-five a unilateral (29 left-sided, 6 right-sided). Fifty patients were girls, fifteen boys. In 27 cases the abnormality was combined with other anomalies. Most infants have been operated upon in the first six months of their life by a transpalatinal approach in general anethesia. From the results the following conclusions can be made: early treatment is the method of choice; restoration of nasal permeability, although minimal, allows normal nutrition and diminishes a number of respiratory infections, due to choking. The transpalatinal approach permits a direct control of the surgical area. It does not inhibit the growth of the hard palate and the function of the soft palate. Failures are caused by difficulties to keep the new passage open.