How is choanal atresia treated?

How is choanal atresia treated?

Surgery is the only long-term treatment option for babies with choanal atresia. In some cases, infants can learn to breathe through their mouths, delaying the need for immediate surgery. But eventually, choanal atresia repair is recommended to improve health and quality of life. Endoscopic choanal atresia repair is the most common approach.

During choanal atresia repair, your surgeon creates a hole through the bone or tissue that’s blocking your baby’s airway. This can be achieved through the nose (transnasal) or roof of the mouth (transpalatal). In some cases, a stent may be placed inside your baby’s nasal passage to keep the airway open during healing. Stents are surgically removed a few months after placement. Choanal atresia is performed under general anesthesia in an operating room.

Choanal atresia in adults, though extremely rare, is treated the same way — with surgery.