Endoscopic transnasal repair of choanal atresia

Objectives: To present our experience with a new endoscopic technique for trans-nasal repair of choanal atresia. Methods: Seventeen patients aged 2 months to 13 years with choanal atresia, bilateral in 6 and unilateral in 11, underwent endoscopic repair using a mucoperichondrial flap developed from the nasal septum. The bony stenosis was opened with a surgical curette or drill, and the raw surface was covered by the flap. All patients in these case series with bilateral atresia had been treated with dilatation at birth and had restenosis. Results: A total of 23 choanae were operated. Follow-up ranged from 10 to 60 months. There was one case of complete restenosis and one of partial restenosis, for a success rate of 91%. Conclusions: Endoscopic repair of choanal atresia is a safe and rapid procedure even in very young children, with no complications and a high rate of success. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.