Transnasal treatment of congenital choanal atresia with the KTP laser

This retrospective analysis presents a minimally invasive method for a tran snasal approach to treat bilateral and unilateral choanal atresia and steno sis in infants and children. We describe an advanced surgical technique tha t applies the use of a KTP laser and give recommendations for preoperative diagnosis and postoperative assessment. We report 13 cases of bilateral and unilateral choanal atresia or stenosis treated over a 3 1/2-year period. W e used a transnasal approach and endoscopic control. For bilateral choanal atresia. the operation was performed within the first few days of birth. Fo r unilateral choanal atresia or stenosis, surgery was performed several wee ks after birth. In all cases, an intranasal stent was inserted. Our finding s demonstrate that this transnasal approach provides significant benefits. A primary advantage is the diminished risk of intraoperative or postoperati ve complications. Additional benefits include lower rates of re-obstruction and a decreased incidence of subsequent disease, including chronic secreto ry otitis media.