Role of proton pump inhibitor in healing after choanal atresia repair: a randomized control trial

Abstract

Abstract Background Choanal atresia (CA), defined as the anatomical closure of the choanae in the nasal cavity, is relatively uncommon disease entity with an estimated incidence of 1:5000–7000 births. Post-operative restenosis remains a common complication of the endoscopic CA repair. Risk factors for restenosis include nasopharyngeal reflux and gastroesophageal reflux. Results Forty patients who underwent choanal atresia repair were divided randomly into 2 groups. Group A patients received postoperative PPI medication compared to group B patients who acted as control who underwent the same operation without receiving postoperative proton pump inhibitor medication. Only 2 patients (10%) in group A experienced restenosis compared to 8 patients (40%) in the control group B. Conclusion The use of esomeprazole which is a proton pump inhibitor acting as an antireflux should be considered, in postoperative treatment, to decrease the rate of choanal restenosis by preventing inflammation on choanal mucosa which can enhance good healing mechanism.