VARIATIONS OF THE COURSE OF THE INTERNAL CAROTID-ARTERY - POTENTIAL RISKS IN STANDARD OPERATIONS IN THE UPPER PHARYNX

Background: Many abnormalities in the course of the major vessels of t he head and neck have been described. Special care must be taken in ca se 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: T hose variations are often asymptomatic, only requiering surgical treat ment when causing neurologic complaints. On the other hand, they may b e very dangereous, if operations in the upper pharynx are carried out. Conclusions: The surgeon (in special the younger surgeon) must be wel l-informed about potential vascular abnormalities, before performing ' 'routine-operations'' (tonsillectomies, adenotomies) in the upper phar ynx.