We have all heard about a 'post-mortem' or 'post-mortem' in the news and in conversations, right? When someone suddenly disappears, or when something like a crime occurs, this is always talked about. But what exactly is an autopsy, or in medical terms, an 'autopsy'? What really happens in it? Many people have a slightly scary image of this from movies. So today, let's talk about it precisely and simply.
What is an autopsy, simply put?
Simply put, an autopsy is a special medical examination that is performed after a person has died to determine the cause of death, and sometimes how the death occurred. In this, a doctor who has specialized knowledge in this area examines the body of the deceased person externally and internally. We call this specialist a pathologist . That is, a doctor who has studied the tissues and diseases of the body in depth. He conducts this examination, includes everything he finds, and prepares a report.
Are there main types of autopsies?
Yes, there are two main types of autopsies. The objectives of the two are slightly different. Let's understand this difference clearly with the help of a table.
| Type of autopsy | Description and purpose |
|---|---|
| Forensic Autopsy | This is the type we often see in the news. This test is done if the death is suspicious, if it happened suddenly, or if there is a suspicion that it is related to a crime. It can also be done in cases of death related to a medical procedure, such as surgery. This test is ordered by the police, the coroner, or the court. The main purpose of this is to resolve a legal issue. |
| Clinical/Medical Autopsy | This type of test is done to gain a deeper understanding of a death due to natural causes, that is, a medical condition. For example, when a death occurs due to cancer, a heart attack, or an infection, it is done to find out exactly how the disease affected the body. This test is usually requested by the family of the deceased or the doctor who treated them. The purpose of this is to improve medical knowledge. |
The most important thing is to perform an autopsy as quickly as possible. Usually, after about 24 hours, the organs and tissues of the body begin to decompose, making it difficult to perform some tests accurately.
What really happens during an autopsy?
Many people have misconceptions and fears about this procedure. But it is a medical procedure that is performed with great respect and care. Let's take a step-by-step look at what happens:
1. External examination: First, the pathologist places the body of the deceased on an examination table and examines the outside very carefully. He or she makes notes of any unusual marks, wounds, or scars on the body. If necessary, photographs or X-rays are also taken.
2. Internal examination: Next, a scalpel is used to examine the internal organs of the body, cutting open the skin from the neck to the abdomen. Then, all or some of the major organs such as the liver, heart, lungs, and kidneys are examined. Sometimes these organs have to be removed from the body for a better examination.
3. Tissue sampling: Very small tissue samples are taken from each organ. These are then examined under a microscope to check for any changes or signs of disease at the cellular level.
4. Examining the brain: If necessary, the skull is opened and the brain is also examined.
5. Special tests: Various other tests are performed using samples of body fluids, tissues, and organs. In particular, during a forensic examination, bullets and other foreign objects found in the body are examined. Toxicology tests are also performed to check for the presence of poisons, drugs, or chemicals in the body.
6. Completion of the process: After a forensic examination, the organs are usually reinserted into the body and the skin is carefully sutured back together. However, organs are not always reinserted after clinical autopsies.
Only after all these tests are completed does the doctor prepare a complete autopsy report, including everything he finds.
What are the benefits and risks of an autopsy?
Like any medical procedure, an autopsy has its benefits and potential pitfalls. Let's understand these clearly.
| Benefits | Risks / Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Knowing the truth: Knowing the exact cause of death provides some psychological relief to the family. | Psychological distress: The thought of having their loved one's body examined in this way can be very distressing for the family. It may also conflict with religious or cultural beliefs. |
| Assisting the law: This is essential evidence to punish the guilty in criminal cases. | Damage to the body: Even after the body is restored after the examination, some minor changes may be visible. This may have an impact on funeral arrangements. |
| Advances in medical science: This knowledge is useful for learning new things about how diseases affect the body and providing better treatment for other patients in the future. | Funeral delays: The time it takes to complete the autopsy and receive reports can delay the funeral, adding to the grief of the family. |
| Identifying hereditary diseases: Sometimes the cause of death may be a previously undiagnosed, hereditary genetic disease. Knowing this can help other family members be aware of their health risks. |
What does an autopsy report contain?
A forensic autopsy report includes all the details found during the examination. It mainly states two things:
1. Cause of Death: The medical cause that directly contributed to death. For example, "heart attack", "serious head injury".
2. Manner of Death: Classification of the event that caused the death. This is presented under 5 main categories:
- Accident: An unexpected event, such as a car accident.
- Natural causes: Occurring due to a medical condition.
- Homicide: Committed by another person.
- Suicide: Committing suicide.
- Undetermined: When it cannot be definitively included in any of the above categories.
We must remember that, while pathologists are highly trained and knowledgeable, they are also human. In rare cases, they may make mistakes or be unable to determine the exact cause of death. In such cases, the family or legal authorities may request a second autopsy by another doctor.
Take-Home Message
- An autopsy is an important medical examination to determine the exact cause of death.
- There are two main types of this: forensic medical examinations for legal purposes and clinical examinations to understand diseases.
- This is done by a doctor who specializes in pathology. They treat the body of the deceased with the utmost respect and care.
- Although this process can be emotionally difficult for the family, it is a great help in finding the truth, the law, and the advancement of medical science.
- If your loved one requires an autopsy, you can talk to your doctor about it and find out more.
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