Significant tortuosity of the internal carotid artery encountered during neck dissection

Abstract

BackgroundThe internal carotid artery (ICA) is one of the vital structures of the head and neck region to be preserved during neck dissection. It may present several unusual forms of tortuousness, and surgeons should be mindful of these variations while performing surgeries.Case presentationThe patient is an 80‐year‐old woman presented with a T2N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma affecting the left side of the tongue. During neck dissection, significant tortuosity of the ICA was observed. With careful surgical manipulation, the surgery was a success, avoiding any potential damage.ConclusionSurgeons must avoid the potentially fatal complication through a detailed preoperative imaging evaluation and careful intraoperative observation.