title: [Variations in the course of the internal carotid artery: possible risks in so-called standard operations in the area of the pharynx].
abstract: 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenkrankheiten, Kopfund Halschirurgie Otto Körner, Universitätsklinikum Rostock.
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Schumacher
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schafig
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kehrl
authors.forename: H W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Pau
mesh_terms: D000233:Adenoidectomy; D000792:Angiography; D020212:Carotid Artery Injuries; D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008875:Middle Aged; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014068:Tonsillectomy