SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 258 
of dividing the stricture which impeded respiration ; but, unless 
the exact situation of this were discovered, it would be but an ex- 
perimental attempt. 
CEsopHagoromy (OPENING THE GULLET), 
It was long thought that a wound in the esophagus must be 
necessarily fatal, but we have now sufficient proofs to the contrary 
on record, so that we are not deterred from cut. ng into the cesopha- 
geal tube when it is necessary; but it is an operation requiring 
skill and anatomical kaowledge, and its future results are some- 
times very serious. The cases that call for eesophagotomy are the 
lodgment of accidental substances within the tube. An apple 
once so lodged was removed by incision by a veterinary surgeon 
at Windsor. Carrots, parsnips, beets, etc., are liable to produce 
such vbstruction 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, pro- 
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 passed, and has completely failed. The probang for the horse, 
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 be 
practiced standing. If the swelling be large, no fear need te en- 
tertained about cutting important organs, as the enlargement wil! 
push them on one side. Cut down, therefore, directly upon the 
center of the impacted 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 liyht. 
The part of the neck chosen for the opening 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 esophagus, if possible, with one cut, and into the center 
of the pipe. If this be not done at once, and it requires some 
dexterity so as to effect it, mind to make all future incisions in a 
line with the first opening, as it is important that the cellular tis- 
sue should be little interfered with. The cesophagus, fairly cut 
into the impactment, should jump forth. Should it aot do so, de 
