The broad clinical utilization of the internal thoracic artery (ITA), including the role of its branches in supplying circulation to the sternum, requires explicit anatomic knowledge of this vessel. Fifty‐six ITAs (28 right, 28 left) were dissected from their point of origins after injection with a mixture of contrast medium and latex after perfusion with saline and immersion in 4% formaldehyde. All ITA branches were studied according to their course, size, and distribution within intercostal spaces with the aid of an operating microscope. The branches were divided in two main groups: proper (solitary) branches and common trunks. The proper branches consisted of four types: sternal, perforating, intercostal, and mediastinal. The four types of common trunks were: sternal/perforating, sternal/intercostal, perforating/intercostal, sternal/perforating/intercostal. Points of most frequent origin from main trunk of the vessel were established for each type. Mean external diameter of proper branches was 0.72 mm and common trunks was 1.06 mm. Mean length of common trunks was 3.0 mm. Those parameters (adequate diameter and length) allow for ligation of the common trunks close to the ITA so that their points of division can be preserved. This fact is crucial for creation of collateral blood supply to the sternum after bilateral ITA mobilizations. Clin. Anat. 12:307–314, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

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The main difficulty is the total and near total reconstruction of the nose especially if it is necessary to reconstruct all nasal structures. From quality of life point of view the cooperation with dental prosthetic doctor is obligated for maxillectomy.

Anatomical location of salivary glands requires from surgeon high precision during the operation in this site. Waterjet is one of the modern tools which allows to perform "minimal invasive" operating procedure. This tool helps to separate pathological structures from healthy tissue with a stream of high pressure saline pumped to the operating area via special designed applicators. Stream of fluid is generated by double piston pummp under 1 to 80 bar pressure that can be regulated. This allows to precise remove tumors, spare nerves and vessels in glandular tissue and minimize use of electrocoagulation. Waterjet is a modern tool that can help to improve the safety of patients and comfort of surgeon's work.

The infratemopral fossa pathology cases are very rare. They grow unnoticed for considerable period until there are some impairments of function of the anatomical structures of the place. Aim. The aim of the paper was to recollect the information about rare cases the pathological state of the area in common laryngological practice. MATERIAL AND MEHOD: The study was carried out on three cases with tumors localizated in the infratemporal fossa, treated in Department of Otolaryngology of Military Clinical Hospital in Krakow (Poland) in the period from 2006 to 2008. The surgical treatment was preceded by precise picture diagnostic. The transzygomatiz approach were used in two cases. The buccal approach to maxilla in one case. Furthermore, in the last case the tumor expanded to parapharyngeal space which was explorated by parotido-cervical approach. The delayed post operative follow-up were carried out.