Case for ligation of the external carotid artery in composite operations for oral carcinoma

The ligation of the external carotid artery has been performed routinely in 186 executive composite operations in patients suffering from carcinoma of the tongue, floor of the mouth, mandibular gingiva and buccal mucosa. The ligation is indicated because it controls the hemorrhage, ensures a clean operating field and prevents the facial edema and hematoma formation without having any unwanted effect on the healing of the wound.