SURGICAL OPKRATIONS. 255 



of dividing the stricture which impeded lespiration ; but, unlesa 

 the exact situation of this were discovered, it would be but an ex- 

 perimental attempt. 



CEsoPHAGOTo^rY (OrENTXG THE Gullet). 



It was long thought that a wound in the oesophagus must b« 

 uecessarily fatal, but we have now sufficient proofs to the ooutraiy 

 on record, so that we are not deterred from cut; ng into the oeso})]ia- 

 geal tube when it is necessary; but it is an operation requiring 

 skill and anatomical knowledge, and its future results are some- 

 times very serious. The cases that call for oesophagotomy are the 

 lodgment of accidental substances within the tube. An ajijile 

 once so lodged was removed by incision by a veterinary surgeon 

 at Windsor. Carrots, parsnips, beets, etc., are liable to produce 

 such obstruction when not sliced. Too large a medicinal mass, 

 also, has lodged there ; and a voracious eater has, by attempting 

 to swallow too large a quantity of not salivated bran or chaff, })ro- 

 duced an obstruction, which pressed on the trachea and threatened 

 suffocation. In all cases of obstruction of this kind, we will sup 

 pose that a probang, well oiled, has been previously attempted to 

 be pjissed, and has com])letely failed. The probang for the horso, 

 however, differs materially from that used for the cow. It is 

 formed after the fashion of the one adopted by the human prac- 

 titioner, consisting of a pliable piece of whalebone, having a sponge 

 tied to one end. The operation being determined on, may l)e 

 practiced standing. If the swelling be large, no fear nee-;! b« en- 

 t«;rtained about cutting important organs, as the enlargement will 

 push them on one side. Cut down, therefore, directly upon the 

 center of the im])acted substance. If the. horse be cast, which is 

 quite unnecessary, have him, of course, thrown with his left side 

 uppermost. It will also be necessary to command a good light. 

 The part of the neck chosen for the o])ening must, of course, be 

 governed by the obstructing mass. A section should be made 

 through the integuments and cellular tissue beneath them, right 

 into the oesophagus, if possible, with one cut, and into the centei 

 of the pipe. If this bii not done at once, and it rc(iuires some 

 dexterity so as to effect it, mind to make all future incisions in a 

 line with the first oj)eniiig, as it is important that the cellular tis- 

 Bue should be little interfered with. The oesoj)hagus, fairly cut 

 into the impactment, should jump forth. Should it not do so, do 



