Use of the Carden anaesthetic tube for surgery around a tracheostome.

This short communication describes the use of the Carden anaesthetic tube during surgery in and around a tracheostome. The technique, which greatly facilitates access to the operating field, is described along with it's indications and contraindications. We would like to recommend extending the use of the Carden tube to operations around a tracheostome, thereby maximizing surgical access.