Abstract:
Nasal techniques to treat choanal atresia have become the standard. Each technique finding its own advocates. Restenoses is a problem for which stents are advocated by different authors. Endoscopy and Co² laser are new additions to surgeons armoury. With this aspect in mind, results of a non randomized study of 5 cases over a 10 years period are evaluated. Although CT scan is the choice investigation but in our peculiar conditions of resource constraints, Choanography is the bare minimum requirement. Same factors in our clinical settings, dictate the surgeon to keep the cost low, thereby dilatation with female urethral dilators is a preferable choice, keeping other techniques reserved for complicated cases. Stents are not routinely advocated. Restenoses should not be a problem if progressively larger dilators are used. 5 patients were followed upto 1 year postoperatively. In all patients choanae remained patent. Postoperative care included antibiotics and 6 weeks nasal saline drops, obviating the need for further surgical intervention. This type of surgery is recommended in our clinical settings. The failure occurs not by failing to dilate but failing to dilate progressively with 0.5 mm larger dilators.
Page(s):
9-12
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Pakistan Paediatric Journal, Volume: 27, Issue: 1, Year: 2003