[Treatment of choanal atresia]

17 unilateral and 6 bilateral choanal atresias in children were observed in the ENT-Dept. of the University Hospital Erlangen during 1975-1982. Bilateral choanal atresia requires immediate trepanation by using the CO2 or Argon laser technique. The surgical procedure in unilateral choanal atresia is postponed until the age of 4 years. Transnasal microsurgical approach is preferred in these cases because it involves minimal damage to the developing structures. The satisfying results are reported.