THE CASE OF THE MISSING CAROTID-ARTERY - A WELL AIMED KNIFE

A 20-year-old male presented with a small stab wound to the neck and w ith haemodynamic signs of significant haemorrhage, but no signs of loc al bleeding. On exploration, an intact vagus nerve and internal jugula r vein were found, but the common carotid artery was not immediately a pparent. Careful dissection confirmed a completely transected common c arotid artery with the two ends contracted and retracted. A primary re pair was performed and post-operatively the patient recovered complete ly and had no neurological deficit.