title: External carotid ligature: posterior approach (behind the sternocleidomastoid muscle).
abstract: Because of difficulties encountered in the ligation of the external carotid artery, both anteriorly and retrovascularly (internal jugular vein), we propose a posterior approach based on anatomic principles. This approach to the external carotid artery is especially useful when structural alterations of the anterolateral neck are present. Surgical details are presented in three patients and the results demonstrate its practicability.
mesh_terms: D002342:Carotid Artery, External / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation / Q000379:methods*; D009132:Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D009333:Neck / Q000033:anatomy & histology