About Video

This video demonstrates the treatment for unilateral choanal atresia. The use of powered instrumentation is depicted to treat the atresia. Unilateral choanal atresia can be approached via a transnasal, transpalatal, sublabial or a transseptal approach. The protected blades and drills of powered instruments allow for a precise removal of the stretch plate of bone as well as soft tissue contributing to a more successful surgical outcome. Prior to surgery, one needs to perform a CT scan of the paranasal sinuses to assess the extent of the atresia, determine the bone and soft tissue components to it, as well as rule out other anomalies, especially in syndromic children and those with bilateral atresia. In cases of unilateral atresia, such imaging may not be mandatory in most cases. The other alternative to this surgical technique is with the use of a carbon dioxide or a KTP LASER.