Bougies

Bougies are flexible cylindrical rods of suitable length and diameter employed in surgery for passing through abnormal constrictions produced by disease in certain mucous canals. They are usually either made of vulcanite or of a substance called gum elastic, and are especially employed in diseases of the urethra, rectum, and oesophagus. Medicated bougies are sometimes used for locally applying remedies to diseased mucous surfaces.