Fig. 514
Coin lodged in esophagus, successfully removed by external esophagotomy. From the Author’s Clinic. (Skiagram by Dr. Plummer.)
The condition being suspected or made known, the location of the foreign body may be determined by the esophageal bougie and by the use of the x-rays. With certain irregularly shaped objects the latter prove a desirable help, especially when irregular plates containing false teeth, or toys have been passed into the esophagus. They afford an indication not only as to their exact situation and emplacement, but also as to the best method of attack, that is, whether from without or within. Considerable distress may be produced by even small particles, as chips from an oyster-shell, small pieces of glass, and the like.
Fig. 515
Esophageal forceps.
Fig. 516
Horse hair probang, expanded and unexpanded.