The difficulty often encountered in attempting to remove foreign bodies from the tissues is well known. Even when roentgenograms are at hand or when fluoroscopy has been done, there is frequently great difficulty in removing the foreign body.
By the use of transillumination, any foreign body that will cast a shadow may be located in a surprisingly short time.
Having cut down to the supposed location of the foreign body and having arranged the light, the operator looks through a tube at the tissues, which may be held up or otherwise suitably manipulated. A dark room is unnecessary. When once the foreign body is located, it is a simple matter to remove it. Reference to the illustration will make the method clear.
The tube may be of any suitable material, brass or other metal or a darkened test tube; a roll of paper may be used in an emergency.
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