Congenital choanal atresia: our experiences in a tertiary care teaching hospital in eastern India

Introduction
Choanal atresia (CA) is the commonest congenital anomaly of the nose. The diagnosis is made by diagnostic nasal endoscopy and computed tomography (CT) scan. The definitive treatment option is surgery.

Aim of the study
To discuss our experiences with CA in our region and factors affecting the outcome.

Material and methods
A prospective study of paediatric patients done between 2012 and 2017. All patients were evaluated by diagnostic nasal endoscopy and CT of the nose and paranasal sinuses. All were operated by endonasal endoscopic approach with placement of a stent. Patients were followed-up for an average of one to two years.

Results
All 21 patients of CA were treated with endoscopic trans-nasal technique. No severe postoperative complications were found except three cases resulting in restenosis. The restenosis cases underwent revision surgery.

Conclusions
The endonasal endoscopic approach is a safe and effective method for the choanal atresia. Placement of a stent prevents restenosis with good outcome.