Hémostase des hémorragies faciales massives au cours des traumatismes crâniofaciaux

Life-threatening bleeding following craniofacial injury is considered to be rare. The rich collateral circulation between the external and internal carotid arteries complicates the problem of controlling hemorrhage. We report the cases of four patients who presented life-threatening bleeding after severe craniofacial trauma. Various methods were used (nasal packing, temporary reduction of the fractures, endovascular treatment, ligation of the external carotid artery). Ligation of one or both external carotid arteries is effective and its simplicity may make it the procedure of choice in some situations.