This Operation becomes necessary, when the Inflammation that happens in the Larynx hinders Respiration, and is perform'd after this manner:
The Wind-Pipe is open'd between the third and fourth Ring, above the Muscle Cricoides, or else in the middle of the Wind-Pipe; but in separating the Muscles call'd Sternohyodei, care must be had to avoid cutting the recurrent Nerves, lest the Voice shou'd be lost; as also the Glandules nam'd Thyroides. The Space between the Rings is to be open'd with a streight Lancet, kept steady with a little Band, and a transverse Incision is to be made between 'em: Before the Lancet is taken out, a Stilet is put into the Opening, thro' which passeth a little Pipe, short, flat, and somewhat crooked at the end, which must not be thrust in too far, for fear of exciting a Cough. This Pipe hath two small Rings for the fastening of Ribbans, which are ty'd round about the Neck; and it must be left in the Wound till the Symptoms cease. Afterward it is taken away, and the Wound is dress'd, the Lips of it being drawn together again with the uniting Bandage, which hath been already describ'd.
C H A P. VII.
Of the Operation of the Uvula.
When the Uvula or Palate of the Mouth is swell'd so as to hinder Respiration or Swallowing, or else is fallen into a Gangrene, it may be extirpated thus: The Tongue being first depress'd with an Instrument call'd Speculum Oris, the Palate is held with a Forceps, or cut with a Pair of Sizzers; or else a Ligature may be made before it is cut; and the Mouth may be afterward gargl'd with Astringent Liquors.