Autopsy/Post Mortem

Autopsy- Post Mortem-

  1. Post---After   Mortem--Death
  2. Autopsy-   Auto--Self   Opis--View/Examination(Self Examination)
  3. Necropsy-  Necro--Death  Opsy--Examination/To see(Examination of Dead)
  4. Thanatopsy- Thantose--Means Death  Opsy-- View or to see.
  • An autopsy is also known as postmortem examination, necropsy or obduction.
  • It is a medical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a dead body to determine the cause & manner of death & to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present
  • It is usually performed by a specialized medical doctor called a pathologist.
  • The term “autopsy” derived from the Greek word “to see for oneself”
  • “ Necropsy” is form the Greek word “ seeing a dead body” Necropsy is the term for a postmortem examination on animal.

Definition 

An autopsy (post-mortem) is the surgical dissection of a body after death to determine the exact cause and circumstances of death or discover the pathway of a disease.

Purposes

Autopsies are performed for either legal or medical purposes. Autopsies can be performed when any of the following information is desired-

  • Determine if death was natural or unnatural
  • Injury source and extent on the corpse
  • Manner of death must be determined
  • Time since death
  • Establish identity of deceased
  • Retain relevant organs
  • If infant, determine live birth and viability

Indications

  • Sudden death
  • Accident
  • Suicide
  • Homicide
  • Illegal therapeutic practice
  • Death within 24 hours of admission to the hospital

Types of Autopsies

  • Medicolegal or forensic or coroner's autopsy- is done to find the cause of death and to identify the reason. It is mainly performed when prescribed by law, mysterious death, violent or suspicious death Occurs.
  • Clinical or pathological autopsy- is performed to diagnose a disease for research purpose, ultimate aim is to identify or confirm diagnosis which has been unclear or unknown before the death of individual.
  • Anatomical or academic autopsy- is performed by medical students for learning purpose mainly the anatomy of the human body.

Stage of Autopsy Examination-

  1. Physical examination of clothes and collection of evidence in them.
  2. Physical examination of body surfaces and collection of any evidence.
  3. Opening of the body cavities.
  4. Scrutiny of internal contents of cavities and vital systems.
  5. Collection of specimens.
  6. Closure of body/reconstruction.
  7. Disposal of dead body to relatives or Police.

Nurses Responsibility

  • Obtain the consent for performing autopsy.
  • Ensure that autopsy doesn't deform natural body shape or structure.
  • Explain that autopsy may be useful for medical research and advancement in the technology.
  • Answer any questions put forward by the family.
  • Motivate for organ donation.
  • Respect the family's final wishes and honor their decision on organ donation.

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