Bilateral choanal atresia--respiratory emergency in a neonate

Bilateral choanal atresia is potentially a fatal respiratory emergency in a newborn. A 2-day-old full term male infant was presented with history of attacks of cyanosis, difficulty in suckling and respiration. On examination cyclical change of body colour, ie, alternating cyanosis and normal colour was observed. CT scan of the base of the skull revealed bilateral choanal atresia. The patient underwent choanal canalisation operation by transnasal route using Lichtwitz trocar and cannula with controlled force.