Question

A 42-year-old HIV-positive patient died, and his body was brought for post-mortem. The method of autopsy to be done is___

• A. Ghon technique
• B. Letulle technique
• C. Virchow technique
• D. Rokitansky technique

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The method of autopsy performed on a patient is influenced by various factors, including the medical condition of the deceased. In the context of an HIV-positive patient, the selection of an autopsy technique must minimize the risk of infection transmission to healthcare workers. Among the four classical autopsy techniques specified: Ghon, Letulle, Virchow, and Rokitansky, the most appropriate choice is:

Rokitansky technique

This method is particularly useful in cases such as HIV, where the transmission risk needs careful management:

• Rokitansky Technique: In this technique, the organs are removed and dissected in situ (within the body cavities) rather than en masse or individually outside the body cavities. This reduces handling and potential exposure to infectious material, making it safer for forensic pathologists.

This technique differs from other methods:

• Ghon Technique: Organs are removed en bloc according to their anatomical relationships.
• Letulle Technique: It involves removing the organs en masse and dissecting them outside the body, which can increase the risk of exposure.
• Virchow Technique: Organs are removed individually, which also increases handling and potential exposure.

The Rokitansky technique stands out in such cases due to its approach of minimizing exposure risk while still allowing thorough examination for medical and legal purposes in forensic medicine.