The transnasal flexible laryngoesophagoscope as an adjunct during surgical correction of choanal atresia.

INTRODUCTION

We report the first published description of transoral use of the transnasal flexible laryngoesophagoscope during surgical correction of choanal atresia.

CASE REPORT: A four-month-old boy was referred to the ear, nose and throat department by his general practitioner with a two-week history of left-sided, watery, green, nasal discharge. A diagnosis of choanal atresia was made. The child underwent successful surgical correction which incorporated transoral use of a transnasal flexible laryngoesophagoscope.

DISCUSSION: When used transorally, the transnasal flexible laryngoesophagoscope's ability to provide omnidirectional visualisation together with high definition picture clarity significantly improves the operative field of view. This endoscope's incorporated suction and insufflation functions and its facility to pass extra instruments via the endoscope port are of particular advantage for this type of procedure.