The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Œsophagotomy

ŒSOPHAGOTOMY, ē-sŏf-ạ-gŏt'ạ-mĭ, a surgical operation for the relief of stricture of the œsophagus and the removal of foreign bodies lodged in it, when dilation and other measures are of no avail. There are two forms of the operation, external and internal. External œsophagotomy consists in cutting into the œsophagus in front between the thyroid cartilage and the sternum, and extracting the foreign body with forceps, or dividing the stricture with a knife. Internal œsophagotomy is usually resorted to for the relief of stricture, especially when of cicatricial origin. The stricture is divided by a cutting instrument (the œsophagotome) passed through the mouth. After the operation bougies are used to prevent recontraction. When the œsophagotome cannot be used, or inanition is imminent, gastrotomy or opening the stomach so that food can be given is resorted to.