Anesthesia for a neonate with persistent buccopharyngeal membrane and unilateral choanal atresia

Abstract

We report our anesthetic management of a neonate who presented with complete persistent buccopharyngeal membrane and unilateral choanal atresia, and underwent examination under anesthesia. Maintaining airway patency and spontaneous respiration were our priority. Intravenous propofol was used to maintain adequate anesthetic depth for flexible laryngotracheoscopy and nasotracheal intubation through the only patent passage. We encountered problems of bradycardia and hypotension. Tracheostomy was performed. Definitive management of the persistent buccopharyngeal membrane was carried out on day 14.