ESSENTIALS OF AUTOPSY PRACTICE - A REVIEW

Abstract

Post mortem examination of a dead body is carried out to gain insight into the disease process as well as for forensic application of medical knowledge. The autopsy is now often regarded as of marginal use in modern clinical practice. Although different specialists viz: pathologist and forensic medicine experts, carry out autopsy for these purposes. On many occasions there may be overlap between these two fields of medicine. Among the very important investigative actions is the autopsy. It is conducted by forensic doctors that work- competent. The autopsy was realized with a court order and performed the function of whitening / lightening of the investigation, given that the main purpose is to conduct the autopsy as the cause of death. Autopsies also generate more accurate vital statistics, provide pathological descriptions of new diseases, and offer powerful tools for education and quality assurance. The scientific, educational, and public health benefits of the autopsy, though generally acknowledged, remain difficult to quantify. However, autopsy plays a demonstrably important role in confirming or overturning diagnoses entertained by treating physicians. Many doctors lack familiarity with autopsy practices, and are insufficiently aware of the benefits for not only bereaved families but also present and future patients. The decline of the autopsy at least partially reflects the absence of incentives for performing it. The study reveals the essentials of autopsy practice.