Contents: Introduction to clinical autopsy: Importance of autopsy in the twenty-first century

In this video-lesson, we will briefly explain some of the main theoretical aspects of this unit. The following video provides most of the basic information necessary to pass the test. You may also download a PDF archive with expanded data about this unit.

4. Importance of autopsy in the twenty-first century

1) For families:

a. Autopsy procedures will not hinder the funeral and they ensure that it will not alter the appearance of the body.

b. Identification of genetic alterations/ hereditary diseases.

c. Results can have a positive impact on the mourning process.

2) For professionals:

a. Collaboration with management agencies and health statistics

b. Residency training in Pathology

c. Clinical and pathologic sessions

d. Tissue donation

e. Research

f. Hospital quality assurance. To confirm and complete diagnoses and to detects errors (Mortality Commission)