We recognize that choosing to perform a private or second autopsy is often a difficult and emotional decision for either individuals or families to make. We want to help ease your decision by providing the information outlined below.
General Overview of an Autopsy:
Private autopsy and postmortem investigation services are offered by a board certified forensic pathologist. As an independent medical examiner, the pathologist works on behalf of families of the deceased, whether victims of wrongful death or medical malpractice, or whether the family simply wants to better understand the process that led to the death of their loved one. A private autopsy is a useful option when a hospital autopsy is not practical or if the family wants an independent unbiased opinion as to the cause of death. It is not uncommon for the local coroner to decline a family's request for an autopsy, due to resource limitations or financial constraints.
There are two major types of autopsy:
Gross Anatomy Autopsy - generally performed in a non-surgical operating environment by a visiting or local pathologist. They perform a visual inspection of the major organs, and there is limited tissue or toxicology information gathered. The findings of this type of autopsy are often not sufficiently documented to determine a wrongful death judgement or in sufficient detail to answer all your questions..
Forensic Autopsy - performed by specially trained medical doctors, in a surgical operating environment. All organs systems are thoroughly examined, and tissue samples are examined, for disease processes, as well as tested for drugs, chemicals or toxic substances. These findings are photographically documented, and a detailed findings report is generated.
What is an autopsy?
A complete autopsy is an external and internal examination of the body after death using surgical techniques. The examination is performed by a pathologist, a medical doctor who is specially trained in this type of procedure and who is able to recognize the effects of disease on the body. The procedure takes about two to four hours to perform. This examination may be comprehensive or limited to a particular area of the body. For example, in the case of a suspected heart attack, some physicians and families request that the autopsy be limited to examination of the chest. However, limiting the scope of the autopsy may reduce its value. We recommend a complete unrestricted autopsy for thoroughness.
The autopsy room is regarded as a special place for gathering medical knowledge. The body is treated with dignity and respect, and the wishes of the family are maintained at all times. Small samples of each organ are taken for microscopic examination to look for disease such as malignancy or infection. Other tests that may be performed include studying genes and checking for drugs, chemicals, or toxic substances. When the examination is completed, a written report is issued. The final report takes several weeks to prepare due to the detailed studies that may be performed. The report becomes a permanent part of the patients medical record. The findings may be discussed with the family physician or with the pathologist. Our pathologist offers a conference call with the family and or designee both after the autopsy and when the toxicology results are completed, in addition to a final written report. The doctor will often request a copy of the deceaseds medical record, in order to verify blood work, and other procedures and or treatments a person has or has not received.
Why perform an autopsy?
The primary purpose of an autopsy is to answer any questions the family or physician may have about the illness, cause of death, and/or any co-existing conditions. Establishing a cause of death can be a source of comfort to families. The autopsy may also determine whether there are inheritable problems and help other family members through early diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, what is learned through an autopsy on one patient may help save the lives of others with similar conditions.
Who requests an autopsy?
In some cases, the law may mandate that an autopsy be performed. In all other cases, permission is required. Permission to perform the autopsy can be requested either by the patients physician or by the family. In some cases, the patient may have indicated their wish for an autopsy in discussions with the family or by signing a personal directive for autopsy. The autopsy cannot be performed without consent of the legally designated responsible party, usually the next of kin. When giving consent, the family may make any restrictions, limitations, or special requests.
How families benefit from the autopsy
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