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Gastroesophageal reflux complicating choanal atresia repair

D J Beste1, S F Conley, C W Brown

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology and Human Communication, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|March 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Congenital choanal atresia repair in infants can lead to gastroesophageal reflux (GER). This reflux, particularly nasal reflux, complicated recovery and required interventions like stenting for choanal restenosis.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Bilateral congenital choanal atresia (CCA) is a congenital condition affecting infant breathing.
  • Surgical repair is necessary to establish an airway, but potential complications exist.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the occurrence and impact of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) following surgical repair of congenital choanal atresia (CCA) in infants.
  • To highlight GER as a potential complicating factor in the postoperative management of CCA.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of four infants with bilateral CCA who underwent surgical repair (transpalatal or transnasal).
  • Postoperative assessment for gastroesophageal reflux (GER) using radionuclide scanning and nasopharyngeal/esophageal pH probe studies.
  • Documentation of complications such as choanal restenosis and granulations.

Main Results:

  • All four infants experienced postoperative GER, with intermittent nasal reflux observed.
  • GER was confirmed via diagnostic studies in all patients.
  • Infants with documented GER required prolonged stenting and dilations to manage choanal restenosis and granulations.

Conclusions:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a significant and common complication after congenital choanal atresia (CCA) repair in infants.
  • Effective management of GER may be crucial for preventing postoperative complications like restenosis and granulations.
  • The technical aspects of surgical repair are important for minimizing complications, including those related to GER.

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