Observations on the surgical pathology of the larynx and trachea, chiefly with a view to illustrate the affections of those organs which may require the operation of bronchotomy: including remarks on croup, cynanche laryngea, injuries by swallowing acids and boiling water, foreign bodies in the windpipe, asphyxia, wounds, etc / [William Henry Porter].

  • Porter, William Henry, 1790-1861.
Date:
1837
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations on the surgical pathology of the larynx and trachea, chiefly with a view to illustrate the affections of those organs which may require the operation of bronchotomy: including remarks on croup, cynanche laryngea, injuries by swallowing acids and boiling water, foreign bodies in the windpipe, asphyxia, wounds, etc / [William Henry Porter]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    commanded ; and if the symptoms of the case will admit of de- lay, the surgeon might wait a few minutes in order that even the oozing of blood from the sides of the wound may cease. A small slit is then to be made in the trachea at the point where it is intended to be opened, so as to permit the introduction of a hook or forceps in order to lay hold on the part to be removed, which should be cut out as nearly as possible to the size and shape of the canula that is to occupy it afterwards*. At the instant that the first puncture is made in the trachea, the patient seems to experience some extraordinary sensation of distress: he starts up and struggles for a moment, but it soon subsides, and the operation is finished without much trouble. He is in general greatly relieved, and in a few minutes falls into a calm and refreshing slumber. In order to prevent the canula from falling out, it is usually secured by tapes passed through its rings, and tied behind the patient’s neck; and a light thin mus- lin cloth may be thrown loosely over it, to prevent the admission of dust or any other extraneous substance. Many surgeons recommend the removal of a circular portion of the trachea to the extent of the length of two or three rings, and that it should be left so, without the introduction of any canula whatever. If the operation be performed on the larynx, there can be no objection to thig mode of proceeding, for the wound is not extensive, and the hemorrhage must be trivial. But the trachea lies deep; there is more likelihood of meeting with a troublesome or embarrassing flow of blood to delay the operation; and even supposing that no vessel of consequence is * It is obvious that this does not apply to operations performed for the removal of foreign bodies from the trachea. In cases of this description a long slit will be sufficient, which, after the extraction is completed, may be closed immediately, and healed.