The operation itself having been practically completed with the introduction of the canula, the after-treatment of the case now becomes the important consideration. This naturally varies in accordance with the accident or disease which has rendered the opening of the trachea necessary. In the instance of a foreign body lodged in either larynx or trachea the tube may at once be removed as soon as the former is removed or expelled. Indeed, the introduction of the tube is often unnecessary, as the offending article flies out through the wound as soon as the trachea is opened. The only contraindication would be to this rule when the foreign body is of a sharp and irritating character, and has been impacted in the larynx, especially of a child, and consequent inflammation and swelling of the parts may confidently be looked for. Should the operation have been called for on account of laryngeal or tracheal obstruction due to syphilis, both constitutional and local treatment are indicated, the latter varying with the special conditions presented, and being fully described in the section of this work treating of that subject. The patient not infrequently is obliged to wear the tracheal tube permanently. In croup and diphtheria the first efforts of the surgeon after introduction of the tube should be directed toward the removal of such shreds of the membrane as present through the tube or may be reached by forceps introduced through it into the air-passage. Large quantities may thus often be gotten away, to the manifest relief of the patient. A pseudo-membrane covering the vocal cords and causing glottic stenosis has thus also more than once been removed through the wound. A feather carefully passed through the tube into the trachea, by exciting cough and through its mechanical effects, is of assistance in promoting the expulsion of membrane lodged in the trachea below the wound. The use of an elastic catheter and aspirating syringe for the same purpose is advised by Roux and Hueter. In any case, constitutional treatment as well is indicated, and other measures--viz. the inhalation of steam, direct local applications, and the like--such as may meet the views of the particular operator.