THE AUTOPSY: WHAT IT IS, WHY IT’S DONE
An autopsy is a detailed examination of a dead body conducted under the authority of the coroner to determine the cause and manner of death. Photographs are taken, surgical incisions are made, all the organs are removed and examined, injuries and diseases are documented, evidence is collected, blood and other fluids or tissues are obtained for chemical and drug testing, and when relevant, tissues are taken for examination under the microscope, for DNA comparison, or for other special tests.
Autopsies do not hinder usual viewing and burial practices. When the body is clothed, the incisions are invisible.
The goals of the autopsy include more than a determination of the cause of death. Many questions can and do arise in the course of an investigation including the time of death, whether the body was moved, how quickly death occurred, and whether the injuries are consistent with the story told by witnesses or perpetrators. Most of these questions can be adequately addressed only by a complete autopsy. Further, allegations or assertions may arise later which can only be refuted or supported if an autopsy was done.
Some people have emotional objections to autopsies saying “He’s suffered enough,” or “We know what happened; there’s nothing to be gained.” But it has often been my experience that as the grieving process progresses, the bereaved struggle with questions and issues they did not foresee. I have received calls from people whose loved ones died many years ago who now have questions that only an autopsy could answer. It has also been documented in forensic literature that the majority of people who initially opposed an autopsy are later grateful it was done and none of those who initially favored an autopsy are later sorry.
The autopsy is the last chance of the dead to communicate. One of the most rewarding aspects of my practice is the occasional discovery of an unsuspected disease which is genetic or familial. Examples include premature death from coronary artery disease based on a chemical abnormality in the blood, certain heart valve defects, or heart conduction system abnormalities such as Long QT Syndrome. Such conditions may affect children, siblings or cousins. If detected and treated, lives can be saved. I firmly believe that most people would choose to give this information to their families if they could.