Transnasal repair of choanal atresia using telescopes

Choanal atresia, consisting of a unilateral or bilateral bony or membranous septum between the nose and the pharynx, occurs in approximately one of 7000 live births. Conventional treatment has consisted of watchful observation and elective surgical repair or immediate intervention using a variety of surgical techniques. We attempted transnasal repair using a telescope to remedy the obstruction.

Over an 18-month period, six female and four male patients, who were between 3 weeks and 14 years of age at the time of surgery, underwent transnasal repair of unilateral or bilateral choanal atresia with the aid of a rod-lens telescope. All 10 patients had nasal stents made from endotracheal tubes that were fixed with sublabial and transseptal sutures.

Seven patients remain free of symptoms 18 to 24 months after surgery. Three patients required revision surgery. Two of the revision cases recovered completely, with no restenosis 12 months after the second surgery. There were no postoperative complications.

Transnasal repair of choanal atresia using a rod-lens telescope appears to be an effective procedure with low morbidity.