700 
DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY. 
I 
FIG. 37- 
TRACHEAL DEFORMITIES, RESULTING FROM TRACHEOTOMY. 
is removed the contraction of the trachealis muscle and the 
compression of the tissues surrounding the deformed cartilages, j 
reduces the lumen by bringing them together, which forms a 
triangular opening instead of the normal circular one ; this tri¬ 
angular opening is smaller than the lumen of the trachea, and, 
besides, in many instances, it is additionally reduced by a hyper¬ 
trophy of the mucous membrane and submucosa. The con¬ 
ditions which excite stenosis (Fig. 37—B) of the trachea are 
caused by destroying the continuity of the rings ; and, by spread¬ 
ing them apart, which reduces their curvature and excites an 
inflammation that encourages softening and absorption of the 
rings. Dilatation of the trachea (Fig. 37-A) is not so serious 
as stenosis and collapse, but is nevertheless considered a de¬ 
formity. These conditions are all obviated by the use of the above 
mentioned tube, which is inserted between the rings instead of 
making an opening by destroying the continuity of the rings. 
The method of applying the tube is simple : the skin and sub¬ 
cutaneous tissue is incised longitudinally ; a transverse incision 
is made through the connective tissue between the rings and 
the tube inserted into it. By this method of performing trach¬ 
eotomy, the curvature of the tracheal rings is not changed ; the 
continuity not destroyed ; the rings are hot deformed by soften¬ 
ing or absorption; and, as a natural consequence, tracheal sten¬ 
osis and dilatations are obviated.—( E . M.) 
Some veterinarians are of the opinion that castration of 
other animals than the horse is below the standard of the veter¬ 
inary profession and speak triflingly of one that castrates pigs, 
