THE FOURTH INCISION - A COSMETIC AUTOPSY INCISION TECHNIQUE
Abstract
Autopsy procedure includes thorough external examination as well as internal examination including opening of all the body cavities for proper visualization of all the visceral organs. As such there remains incision marks with stitches which harts the sentiment of the already traumatized relatives of the deceased. Moreover, it looks odd especially in cases of otherwise healthy dead bodies.
So, autopsy incisions should be such that, we can get maximum possible visualization of the body particularly the thorax and abdomen and at the same time the incision as well as the stitch marks are also hidden.
This new incision technique is designed with few modifications in the autopsy incisions for opening the thorax and abdomen and also proper visualization of the neck structures during autopsy where the incisions and the stitches are kept hidden. In all the other incisions, the back of the neck, thorax and abdomen is not at all visualised. So, this incision is designed in such a way that, the whole circumference of the body can be visualised.
So, autopsy incisions should be such that, we can get maximum possible visualization of the body particularly the thorax and abdomen and at the same time the incision as well as the stitch marks are also hidden.
This new incision technique is designed with few modifications in the autopsy incisions for opening the thorax and abdomen and also proper visualization of the neck structures during autopsy where the incisions and the stitches are kept hidden. In all the other incisions, the back of the neck, thorax and abdomen is not at all visualised. So, this incision is designed in such a way that, the whole circumference of the body can be visualised.
Advantages of this incision technique are-
- whole of the circumference of the neck, thorax and abdomen is visualised, so, better detection of the wounds particularly in cases of death related to torture, road traffic accidents and any other cases, where there is history of injury just before death of the person.
- no or minimal seepage from the cavities.
- stitches can be kept hidden in the front of the neck, so, better acceptance for the relatives of the deceased.
- no separate incision is required for opening the spinal canal from the back.
- the only disadvantage that I encountered is that, it is more time consuming in comparison to the “I shaped incision”. It takes 25min more time in comparison to the I shaped incision.
Few photographs of the incision: ( for medical professionls only )
( please do not copy )
For details of this incision technique, please contact at drajpatowary@gmail.com .
