Choanal Atresia: Clinical Features and Factors Affecting Its Surgical Outcomes

Abstract

Introduction: One of a rare congenital anomaly seen in the development of nose is choanal atresia, whose occurrence is 1 in 5000-8000 live births. This study highlights our experiences in the management of choanal atresia. Materials and methods: It is a retrospective study, which includes the systematic analysis of case files of patients who underwent surgical treatment for choanal atresia from the year 2015 to 2022. Results: Total of 11 cases (15 operated sides) which has 9 female (53%) and 8 male (47%). Majority of them were bony atretic plate (10) followed by mixed variety (5) and none purely membranous. Age at 1st surgery in bilateral cases ranged from 6th day of life to 18th day of life. For unilateral cases the age at 1st surgery ranged from 26th day of life to as late as 10 years old. Conclusion: Management of choanal atresia involves multi-disciplinary approach and preventing restenosis is a challenge. Factors effecting the outcome of surgery are age and weight of the child, as bigger the child in size, wider the choanal arches can be opened with less post-operative scarring and restenosis. Usage of nasopharyngeal airway as a stent in primary repair during early post-operative period is essential to stabilize the nasal airway.