[FIG. 41.--The author's laryngeal bougie for the dilatation of cicatricial laryngeal stenosis. Made in 10 sizes. The shaded triangle shows the cross-section at the widest part.] [FIG. 42.--The author's bronchoscopic and esophagoscopic table.] [46] _Endoscopic Table_.--Any operating table may be used, but the work is facilitated if a special table can be had which allows the placing of the patient in all required positions. The table illustrated in fig. 42 is so arranged that when the false top is drawn forward on the railroad, the head piece drops and the patient is placed in the correct (Boyce) position for esophagoscopy or bronchoscopy, i.e., with the head and shoulders extending over the end of the table. By means of the wheel the plane of the table may be altered to any desired angle of inclination or height of head. _Operating Room_.--All endoscopic procedures should be performed in a somewhat darkened operating room where all the desired materials are at hand. An endoscopic team consists of three persons: the operator, the assistant who holds the head, and the instrument assistant. Another person is required to hold the patient's arms and still another for the changing of the operator's glasses when they become spattered. The endoscopic team of three maintain surgical asepsis in the matter of hands and gowns, etc. The battery, on a small table of its own, is placed at the left hand of the operator. Beyond it is the table for the mechanical aspirator, if one is used. All extra instruments are placed on a sterile table, within reach, but not in the way, while those instruments for use in the particular operation are placed on a small instrument table back of the endoscopist. Only those instruments likely to be wanted should be placed on the working table, so that there shall be no confusion in their selection by the instrument nurse when called for. Each moment of time should be utilized when the endoscopic procedure has been started, no time should be lost in the hunting or separating of instruments. To have the respective tables always in the same position relative to the operator prevents confusion and avoids delay. [FIG 43.--The author's retrograde esophagoscope.]