Bilateral external carotid artery ligation: A life saving procedure in severe maxillofacial trauma

INTRODUCTION: Bilateral external carotid arteries ligation is a rare practice in cases of extensive maxilla-facial injuries. Defining indication criteria in the management of such cases is highly demanded in emergency surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: Reported case presents a male patient 67 years old man with a gunshot to the face. The whole face was macerated. Patient was operated surgically performing bilateral external carotid artery ligation, tracheostomy, pharyngostomy, gastrostomy and pressure dressing to face and head. CONCLUSION: The procedure of bilateral external carotid artery ligation has no defined role in the management of maxillofacial trauma. The current status of such procedure in maxillofacial trauma needs revision.