Bilateral congenital choanal atresia in a 7-day-old patient: transnasal endoscopic repair with stent

Abstract

Congenital choanal atresia (CCA) is the developmental failure of the nasal cavity to communicate with nasopharynx. Surgical repair is recommended in the first weeks of life in bilateral cases because this is a life-threatening situation in newborns. This paper is a case report of a 7-day-old full term girl infant presenting the history of attacks of cyanosis and having difficulty in suckling and respiration. On examination, alternating cyanosis and normal colour was observed in the patient. The application of nelaton cannulas bilaterally revealed the diagnosis of bilateral CCA. Transnasal endoscopic repair with stents was performed. Symptomatic resolution persists 6 months postoperatively.