Toy-pin (actual size) removed by external pharyngotomy from pharynx and esophagus of a two-year-old child. Recovery. Skiagram by Dr. Plummer. (Buffalo Clinic.)
Fig. 477
Skiagram of [Fig. 476].
On the other hand these operations should, when possible, be done deliberately and with local anesthesia. Foreign bodies should be located with the laryngoscope, after which they may be removed with the aid of the illumination thus afforded, or by mere sense of touch. An object impacted in the larynx proper may be extracted by thyrotomy, whereas when it has passed below the larynx it will be necessary to open the trachea, perhaps even low down, making more than an ordinary opening for purposes of manipulation. Numerous forceps have been devised for these purposes. Roaldes reports having removed a piece of impacted iron from the bifurcation of the trachea, by means of a powerful electromagnet.
In the ensuing chapter there will be mentioned a method of exposing both the trachea and the esophagus by posterior incision or resection of the thoracic wall.
Fig. 478
Tack in bronchus of young child, removed after a low tracheotomy. Case of Dr. Parmenter’s. Skiagram by Dr. Plummer. (Buffalo Clinic.)