Choanal Atresia

Choanal Atresia


Congenital atresia of the posterior nares is caused by persistence of the bucco-nasal membrane and fortunately is rare. It is often accompanied by other congenital anomalies.


Unilateral atresia


The condition may pass unrecognized until the age of 5–10 years when it be- comes apparent that one nostril is occluded and accumulates thick mucus. Testing with a probe and examination by posterior rhinoscopy will confirm the diagnosis.


TREATMENT

Correction of unilateral choanal atresia is perfomed per-nasally, usually with a drill, while observing the choana from the post nasal aspect with a 120°telescope.

Bilateral atresia


This is a life-threatening condition in the newborn infant who is unable to breathe voluntarily through the mouth. It is the only form of airway obstruction that is relieved by crying. It is often associated with other congenital anomalies. Asphyxia will result without immediate first-aid treatment with an oral airway. Such an airway should be fixed in place with sticking plaster, and diagnosis is confirmed by the inability to pass a catheter through the nose into the pharynx.CT scanning shows the atresia clearly.


TREATMENT

Treatment is by surgery,again performed by the transnasal route under endoscopic control.