Paediatric Surgery

Question 1

What is choanal atresia?

Answer 1

Congenital obstruction of the posterior choana of the nose - may be unilateral or bilateral

Question 2

What is the typical presentation of bilateral choanal atresia?

Answer 2

Asphyxia when feeding or asleep

Question 3

What syndrome is associated with choanal atresia and what are the other features of this syndrome?

Answer 3

CHARGE Syndrome
- Coloboma
- Heart defects
- Atresia choanae
- Retardation of growth
- Genital abnormalities
- Ear anomalies

Question 4

How is choanal atresia diagnosed and classified?

Answer 4

NGT - if able to pass down both nostrils -> rules out diagnosis
CT scan -> to determine whether obstruction is membranous or bony

Question 5

What is the emergency treatment for choanal atresia?

Answer 5

Oropharyngeal airway
Orogastric tube for feeding

Question 6

What is the definitive treatment for choanal atresia?

Answer 6

Transnasal surgery to restore patency of the choana