Repair of Choanal Atresia

What to Expect After Surgery

After surgery, your baby should be able to breathe normally and will be able to breast-feed or bottle-feed. Newborns stay in the hospital for a few days; older children having surgery on one side may go home after a day or two. Health professionals will teach you how to suction your baby's nasal passages at home to keep the stents open until they can be removed. They also will have you watch for complications (such as infection or bleeding) and will tell you when to call if a problem develops.

After the stents are removed, the doctor may use a thin, lighted instrument (endoscope) to look into the nose to make sure the airways are open.


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Author: Monica RhodesLast Updated: January 8, 2008
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology

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Topic Contents
 Surgery Overview
Arrow PointerWhat to Expect After Surgery
 Why It Is Done
 How Well It Works
 Risks
 What to Think About
 References
 Credits