Nasal obstruction in neonates is a potentially fatal condition because neonates are obligatory nasal breathers. Bilateral choanal atresia is therefore a neonatal emergency. Several approaches for corrections of choanal atresia are available including the helium laser: YAG. A 5-year-old Chinese girl born with bilateral choanal atresia, had birth asphyxia that required intubation. She underwent multiple surgeries for correction of choanal atresia at other hospitals but failed to
improve. She was referred to Universiti Kebangsaan
Malaysia Medical Center (UKMMC) after presenting with
intermittent respiratory distress and cyanosis following an
upper respiratory tract infection. A repeat computed
tomography (CT) scan done preoperatively showed
complete bony stenosis over the left choana and finding was
confirmed by examination under general anesthesia. She
underwent endoscopic transnasal removal of left bony
atretic plate. There was no intra or postoperative
complications. During follow up 10 years later, the airway on both sides remains patent.