Bougie

Bougie A bougie is a thin, flexible surgical instrument used for various medical procedures, primarily to dilate or examine tubular structures in the body. Bougies are commonly used in gastroenterology, otolaryngology, and urology.

Types of Bougies

Bougies come in different types and sizes, each designed for specific medical applications. Some of the common types include:

• Esophageal Bougie: Used to dilate the esophagus in cases of esophageal stricture.
• Urethral Bougie: Utilized to dilate the urethra in patients with urethral stricture.
• Tracheal Bougie: Employed in tracheal intubation to guide the placement of an endotracheal tube.

Medical Uses

Bougies are used in various medical procedures, including:

• Esophageal dilation: To treat conditions like achalasia and esophageal cancer.
• Urethral dilation: To manage urethral strictures and other urinary tract obstructions.
• Airway management: To assist in difficult intubation scenarios.

Procedure

The procedure for using a bougie typically involves the following steps: 1. Preparation: The patient is prepared and positioned appropriately. 2. Insertion: The bougie is gently inserted into the target tubular structure. 3. Dilation: The bougie is advanced to dilate the structure gradually. 4. Removal: The bougie is carefully removed after the procedure.

Complications

While generally safe, the use of bougies can sometimes lead to complications such as:

• Perforation of the tubular structure
• Bleeding
• Infection

History

The term "bougie" originates from the French word for candle, reflecting the instrument's shape. Bougies have been used in medical practice for centuries, evolving in design and material over time.

Related Pages

• Esophageal dilation
• Urethral stricture
• Tracheal intubation
• Endoscopy
• Catheter

Resources

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Bougie for any updates.

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