Choanal atresia: transnasal endoscopic technique.

OBJECTIVE

This article attempts to address the controversy between, endoscopic and traditional approaches to neonatal choanal atresia.

METHOD: Congenital choanal atresia has been recognized for over 200 years, first described by Roedere in 1775. This condition is uncommon, occurring in approximately 1 in 7000 live births. Unfortunately a single ideal procedure for this condition does not exist.

RESULTS

Stankiewicz is credited with the first description of endoscopic techniques for choanal atresia repair. All patients diagnosed to have choanal atresia, treated between 1999 and 2000 were reviewed. Out of four patients two underwent endoscopic repair.

CONCLUSION

Transnasal endoscopic technique is followed by stenting with endotracheal portex tubes for 4-6 weeks in the initial surgical procedure of choice.