The second edition of Handbook of Autopsy Practice appeared in 1979 under the title Current Methods of Autopsy Practice (W. B. Saunders Company); that edition was out of print in the early 1980s. Now, over 20 years later, it appeared timely to thoroughly update the material in a third edition by adding what we have learned in the meantime and eliminating text that has become obsolete. There is an acute need for a complete and readily acces sible resource for autopsy work because few pathologists still specialize in autopsy practice and, as a consequence, expertise in autopsy technology and autopsy pathology has declined. Our colleagues in the forensic field have remained the only large group of autopsy practitioners. For most other pathologists, the economic situation, time constraints, and the steadily decreasing autopsy rates have made a career in autopsy pathology unattractive. This state of affairs is perpetuated by a lack of interest among many of our young colleagues, partly because the teaching of autopsy pathology and autopsy techniques during most residencies is insufficient. Numerous articles have be moaned this situation, but the trend, I fear, is irreversible. Still, autopsies will be requested, particularly in complex and difficult situations where the questions remaining after the death of the patient might challenge even experienced autopsy pathologists. Under these circumstances, this Handbook of Autopsy Practice should meet a particular need by providing the prosector with a source of information when it is most required-in the autopsy room.

Contains thorough explanations and descriptions Offers clear informative diagrams and photographs Aimed at pathologists in training, medical students, and mortuary technicians Thoroughly revised 2nd edition includes the most recent guidance to an accurate mortem diagnosis from the Royal College of Pathologists and from the College of American Pathologists

This how-to guide presents today's most complete coverage of performing, interpreting, and reporting post-mortem examinations. In addition to discussing the basics of the specialty, this lasting and useful reference features information on the performance of specialized autopsy procedures. The material is divided into two sections for ease of use: a manual covering specific autopsy procedures, biosafety, generation of autopsy reports, preparation of death certificates, and other essential subjects; and an atlas, organized by organ system, that captures the appearance of the complete spectrum of autopsy findings. The updated second edition features a new chapter on the popular topic of forensic pathology. Focuses on hospital autopsy, while also providing a brief introduction to forensic autopsy. Examines autopsy photography and radiology, microscopic examination, supplemental laboratory studies, and other investigative approaches. Includes a chapter on performing special dissection procedures that are usually not covered during a typical residency. Presents over 590 full-color photographs depicting common gross and microscopic autopsy findings for every part of the body. Correlates pathologic findings with their clinical causes to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Covers the hot topic of forensic pathology in a new chapter introducing the subspecialty. Addresses the latest legal, social, and ethical issues as well as quality improvement and quality assurance. Features improved images in the Atlas section to give an even more useful visual reference.

A mainstay for pathology residents, Autopsy Pathology is designed with a uniquely combined manual and atlas format that presents today's most complete coverage of performing, interpreting, and reporting post-mortem examinations. This lasting and useful medical reference book offers a practical, step-by-step approach to discussing not only the basics of the specialty, but the performance of specialized autopsy procedures as well. Material is divided into two sections for ease of use: a manual covering specific autopsy procedures, biosafety, generation of autopsy reports, preparation of death certificates, and other essential subjects; and an atlas, organized by organ system, which captures the appearance of the complete spectrum of autopsy findings. Offers expanded coverage of microscopic anatomy. Includes a chapter on performing special dissection procedures that may not be covered during a typical residency. Examines important techniques, such as autopsy photography and radiology, microscopic examination, supplemental laboratory studies, and other investigative approaches. Addresses the latest legal, social, and ethical issues relating to autopsies, as well as quality improvement and assurance. Presents more than 600 full-color photographs depicting common gross and microscopic autopsy findings for every part of the body. Correlates pathologic findings with their clinical causes to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Improved images in the Atlas section provide greater visual understanding. Additional online features include dissection videos demonstrating autopsy techniques; downloadable, commonly used forms for autopsy reports; and calculators for weights and measures. Expert Consult eBook version included with purchase. This enhanced eBook experience offers access to all of the text, figures, images, videos, forms, calculators, and references from the book on a variety of devices.

CONTENTS Paragraphs Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION Section I. General 1-4 II. Authority 5-7 Chapter 2. TECHNIQUE OF THE AUTOPSY Section I. Instructions 8-18 II. General principles in dissection and examination of the Viscera 19, 20 III. Organ by organ removal 21-59 IV. Removal of the viscera en masse (Rokitansky Method) 60-73 Chapter 3. PEDIATRIC AUTOPSIES WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO INFANTS AND FETUSES Section I. Preliminary considerations 74-77 II. Technique 78-80 Chapter 4. AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT AUTOPSIES Section I. General 81-83 II. Recording of data 84, 85 Chapter 5. SPECIAL PROCEDURES Section I. Descriptive protocol 86-89 II. Examination for microorganisms 90-97 III. Special studies of viral diseases 98-102 IV. Immunological examination 103,104 V. Radioactive cadavers and specimens 105, 106 VI. Collection and shipment of specimens for toxicological examination 107-112 Chapter 6. SPECIAL EVIDENTIARY OBJECTIVES OF THE MEDICOLEGAL AUTOPSY