A Comparative Study of Endoscopic Choanal Canalization and Mitomycin C Application vs Endoscopic Crossover Flap Technique

Congenital choanal atresia (CCA) is a relatively common congenital nasal anomaly, characterized by the failure of canalization of the posterior nasal passage during embryological development, which normally occurs between the 4th and 11th weeks of gestation[1]. This developmental failure results in an obstruction-either bony, membranous, or mixed-at the posterior nasal aperture, leading to compromised nasal airflow[1]. Failure of canalization results in a persistent bucco-pharyngeal membrane or naso-buccal blockage, either bony or membranous in structure CCA affects approximately 1 in 5,000 to 8,000 live births, with a slight female predominance (twice as common in females).

Two-thirds of cases are unilateral, while one-third are bilateral. Risk factors include twin pregnancies, chromosomal anomalies, and antithyroid treatment during pregnancy.

Bilateral CCA is a neonatal emergency as infants are obligatory nasal breathing , leading to severe respiratory distress, cyclical cyanosis, and feeding difficulties immediately after birth.

Diagnosis is suspected when a soft catheter cannot pass through the nose and confirmed by CT scan.

Nearly half of the affected neonates have additional syndromic anomalies, such as CHARGE syndrome, highlighting the need for comprehensive evaluation The main goal of surgery is to create an patent nasal airway; techniques have evolved from the traditional transpalatal approach to minimally invasive transnasal endoscopic methods.