[Carotid injuries. Apropos of 5 cases]

The authors use a series of 5 treated carotid wounds to identify the characteristics of these lesions and their management. The gravity of carotid wounds is due to the risk of hemorrhage as well as that of respiratory distress and secondary neurological deficit. Controversy persists regarding the legitimacy of revascularisation procedures in the presence of neurological lesions and, according to the majority of authors, such an approach is recommended unless the patient is in coma.