[Variations in the course of the internal carotid artery: possible risks in so-called standard operations in the area of the pharynx].

BACKGROUND

Many abnormalities in the course of the major vessels of the head and neck have been described. Special care must be taken in case of deviation of the internal carotid artery bulging the pharyngeal wall.

PATIENTS: In two cases we demonstrate internal carotid arteries partially running underneath the posterior pharyngeal wall.

RESULTS

Those variations are often asymptomatic, only requiring surgical treatment when causing neurologic complaints. On the other hand, they may be very dangerous, if operations in the upper pharynx are carried out.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgeon (in special the younger surgeon) must be well-informed about potential vascular abnormalities, before performing "routine-operations" (tonsillectomies, adenotomies) in the upper pharynx.