Autopsy Practices

Book excerpt: An autopsy is a 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 for research or educational purposes. This book is a practical guide to autopsy for trainees in pathology and forensic medicine. The second edition has been fully revised to provide the latest advances and guidelines in the field. Beginning with an introduction to autopsy, its utility and techniques for both external and in situ examination, the following chapters explain autopsy procedures for different organ systems of the body, with an emphasis on dissection methods. The final sections explain autopsies in special situations such as in maternal death and in children, autopsy and the law, design of the autopsy room, biosafety, audit, and embalming. The text is further enhanced by photographs of dissection procedures, diagrams and tables. Key points Practical guide to autopsy techniques for trainees in pathology Fully revised, second edition providing latest advances and guidelines Highly illustrated with photographs, diagrams and tables Previous edition (9789386056160) published in 2017