[Transnasal endoscopic approach in choanal atresia].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of surgery for choanal atresia is to remove the atretic plate completely and to assure long-term patency. We evaluated the effectiveness and results of endoscopic transnasal approach in the treatment of choanal atresia.


METHODS
The study included eight patients (1 male, 7 females; mean age 25.8 years; range 17 to 53 years) who were treated with endoscopic transnasal approach for choanal atresia. One patient had bilateral involvement. The diagnosis was based on findings of physical examination, endoscopic examination, and computed tomography. The follow-up period ranged from 10 months to four years.


RESULTS
Only one patient developed partial obstruction which was reconstructed with mushroom-head forceps at a subsequent operation. One patient died from primary disease (nasopharyngeal cancer). The remaining patients became symptom-free.


CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopic transnasal approach for the treatment of choanal atresia is a safe procedure, with a high success rate and low morbidity, enabling detailed evaluation of the anatomic structure.
Cukurova
Ibrahim
I
Department of Otolaryngology, Tepecik Training Hospital, Izmir, Turkey. cukurova@turk.net
Ozkul
M Doğan
MD
Ciğer
Ejder
E
Arslan
Ilker Burak
IB
Cesur
Süleyman
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002754:Choanal Atresia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome