Endoscopic Repair of Unilateral Choanal Atresia

Endoscopic repair of a unilateral choanal atresia

Surgical repair is generally recommended to restore the normal anatomy, function, and development of the nasal passage. Surgical intervention can be considered either emergent or elective depending on whether the atresia is unilateral or bilateral, and whether the accompanying respiratory symptoms are mild or severe.

Bleeding disorder (relative)
Clinical instability

Microdebrider
Pediatric sinus telescopes
Sinus curette

Endoscopic sinus surgery setup
Hopkins rod sinus endoscopes and tower
Image guidance/navigation

Flexible fiberoptic nasal endoscopy
CT Maxillofacial/Sinus without contrast protocoled for image guidance
Genetic work-up

Septum
Inferior turbinate
Nasal floor
Skull base
Nasopharynx

Bleeding
Re-stenosis
Need for additional surgical intervention
Damage to skull base/CSF leak

None

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2. Hengerer AS, Brickman TM, Jeyakumar A. Choanal atresia: embryologic analysis and evolution of treatment, a 30-year experience. Laryngoscope (2008) 118(5):862–6.
3. Hengerer AS, Strome M. Choanal atresia: a new embryologic theory and its influence on surgical management. Laryngoscope (1982) 92(8 Pt 1):913–21.
4. Kwong KM. Current Updates on Choanal Atresia. Front Pediatr. 2015;3:52. Published 2015 Jun 9.