g8 OESOPHA GO TO MY. 



18. OESOPHAGOTOMY. 

 Plate XVI. 



Instruments. Razor, scissors, convex scalpel, straight 

 probe-pointed bistoury, tenacula, artery forceps, absorbent 

 cotton, suture material. 



Technic. The operation can be carried out on the 

 standing or the recumbent animal. At its origin the 

 oesophagus lies above the trachea somewhat to the left of 

 the median line and as it decends it gradually deviates 

 farther until in the lower cervical region it lies down Slong 

 the left side of the trachea. 



The operation is performed at any point between the 

 pharynx and chest where the lodgment of a foreign body 

 or other condition may demand it. When the oesophagus 

 is empty the operation is best performed in the lower third 

 of the neck at d, Fig. i, Plate XVI. 



An incision lo cm. long through the skin and skin muscle 

 is made on the left side between the anterior border of the 

 mastoido-humeralis muscle and the jugular vein. With the 

 two index fingers divide the loose connective tissue down to 

 the oesophagus, which lies between the left scalenus muscle, 

 trachea and jugular vein. Along the supero-external 

 border of the trachea runs the carotid artery, accompanied 

 dorsally by the vagus and sympathetic and ventrally by the 

 recurrent nerves. The oesophagus feels like a round muscle 

 within which one can distinguish a firmer cord, the mucous 

 membrane. When brought into view the organ has a pale 

 red color, and it, with the trachea is surrounded by the 

 deep fascia of the neck. Pass one finger around the 

 oesophagus from behind, draw it away from the trachea, 

 force a passage through the deep fascia of the neck and 

 draw it out through the external wound. After making an 

 incision through the oesophageal muscle and mucous mem- 

 brane introduce a probe pointed bistoury or a scissors blade 



