Post-mortem

Post-mortem
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	N/A
Complications	N/A
Onset	N/A
Duration	N/A
Types	N/A
Causes	N/A
Risks	N/A
Diagnosis	N/A
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	N/A
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	N/A
Deaths	N/A

Post-mortem, also known as an autopsy, is a highly specialized surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse by dissection to determine the cause, mode, and manner of death or to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present. It is performed by a specialized medical doctor known as a pathologist.

History

The practice of post-mortem examinations dates back to ancient times. The earliest recorded autopsies were performed in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece. The modern autopsy was developed in the 19th century with the advent of microscopy and the establishment of pathology as a scientific discipline.

Purpose

Post-mortem examinations serve several purposes:

• Determination of Cause of Death: To ascertain the medical cause of death, which can be natural, accidental, homicidal, or suicidal.
• Legal Investigation: In cases of suspicious or unexplained deaths, autopsies are crucial for legal investigations.
• Medical Research and Education: Autopsies contribute to medical research and are used for educational purposes in medical schools.
• Public Health: They help in identifying new diseases and understanding the epidemiology of diseases.

Procedure

The post-mortem examination involves several steps:

1. External Examination: The body is examined for external signs of trauma or disease. 2. Internal Examination: The body is opened using a Y-shaped incision, and the internal organs are examined. 3. Microscopic Examination: Tissue samples are taken for microscopic analysis. 4. Toxicology Tests: Samples of blood, urine, and other fluids are tested for drugs, alcohol, and poisons. 5. Documentation: Findings are documented in a detailed report.

Types of Autopsies

There are two main types of autopsies:

• Clinical or Academic Autopsy: Conducted to understand disease processes and for educational purposes.
• Forensic Autopsy: Conducted in cases of sudden, unexplained, or violent deaths, often under the jurisdiction of a coroner or medical examiner.

Ethical and Legal Considerations

Autopsies are subject to ethical and legal considerations, including consent from next of kin and adherence to cultural and religious beliefs. In some jurisdictions, certain types of deaths require mandatory autopsies.

Technological Advances

Recent advances in technology have introduced virtual autopsy techniques, such as CT scanning and MRI, which allow for non-invasive examination of the body.

Also see

• Pathology
• Forensic science
• Coroner
• Medical examiner
• Cause of death