Penetrating wounds of the neck: principles and some controversies

Some of the principles, pitfalls, and controversies in the management of penetrating wounds of the neck have been reviewed. All three policies to exploration of the neck advocated by different authors have merit and can be considered optimal under certain circumstances. Since delayed surgical treatment of major vascular and esophageal injuries results in higher morbidity and mortality, exploratory operations are appropriate when such injuries are suspected, even though preoperative studies are inconclusive. A systematic approach to the management of penetrating wounds of the base of the neck has been outlined. The role of a shount to maintain adequate cerebral blood flow during repair of carotid artery injuries has been discussed. In patients who have severe preoperative neurologic deficit and no blood flow in the injured carotid artery at operation, ligation of the artery rather than repair of injury appears to be indicated.