METHODS: Twenty-five patients (age range, 3-15 days) with bilateral congenital choanal atresia had surgery by using stentless endoscopic transnasal repair by starting with resection of the vomer bone. Postoperative control included office fiberoptic nasal endoscopy.
RESULTS: During the follow-up period of 15-66 months (mean [standard deviation], 35.76 ± 16.8 months), 18 patients (72%) had a wide choana with adequate nasal breathing; Six patients (24%) had narrowing of the choana (<50%), still with adequate and satisfactory airway without feeding difficulties, and one patient (4%) developed restenosis (>50%) after 7 months, which necessitated repeated surgery. One patient (the fourth case) developed a palatal defect, which healed conservatively. No other complications were detected.
CONCLUSIONS: The described technique proved to be effective and easier, with good long-term satisfactory results in a large series of patients. This technique allows early use of both nasal passages for simultaneous endoscope and instrument insertion to excise both atretic plates without the use of stents or flaps.