Penetrating neck trauma” - Enigma to surgeons: A case report with review of literature

: We report for the first time a case of penetrating injury to carotid artery by a stone piece during welding using hammer. : A 26, year old male labourer presented with a penetrating neck injury by a stone piece. As the patient was stable, NCCT neck was done which revealed a metallic foreign body obliterating the right carotid space. CT Angiography was also done to rule out any vascular injury. The patient underwent neck exploration during which foreign body was removed and right carotid artery repair was done with 4-0 prolene. : The patient had no complications and showed no sequalae from this injury during follow up. : CT angiography should be done in all patients who are stable to rule out injury to great vessels before neck exploration .