Congenital Choanal Atresia

Abstract

Eleven cases of congenital choanal atresia are reported. Its signs and symptoms as well as diagnosis are discussed, and an example of familial occurrence is mentioned. Two of the present patients also had congenital heart disease.

In the two youngest patients the repair was done by the endonasal approach. The value of this method cannot be assessed, but since it does not permit full exposure of the operative field, the transpalatine route is preferred.

Nine patients had the transpalatine operation. Its technique is described. At follow-up, this method proved to have been adequate. The operative result was satisfactory in 7 cases.