Autopsy: When is it necessary and when can it be avoided?

A death often brings about the dilemma of whether an autopsy is necessary and under what circumstances it can be avoided. An autopsy serves not only to determine the cause of death but also plays an important role in public health, as it contributes to the understanding of diseases and causes of mortality. Furthermore, it helps in assessing the effectiveness of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

The question of autopsy is also regulated by laws that precisely define when and under what conditions a pathological examination is mandatory. Relatives can only request the omission of an autopsy in certain cases, and these conditions are strictly prescribed. Therefore, the purpose of the autopsy is not only to clarify individual cases but is also essential for improving public health.

In the following paragraphs, we will discuss in more detail the cases in which an autopsy is mandatory and those in which it can be omitted, as well as the legal background that regulates the autopsy process.

Mandatory Cases for Autopsy

According to the general rule regarding autopsies, the pathological examination of deceased individuals is mandatory, regardless of whether death occurred in a hospital or outside of it. There are numerous circumstances under which an autopsy is unavoidable. For instance, if clinical examinations do not provide a clear answer to the cause of death, or if perinatal death has occurred, meaning during the period around birth. Additionally, if the deceased was an organ or tissue donor or recipient, or if the death was a result of an occupational disease, a pathological examination is also mandatory.

Moreover, if there are reusable, valuable instruments within the deceased’s body, this must also be taken into account during the autopsy. An autopsy is required if the deceased had requested the examination in writing before their death, or if the death is of scientific or educational significance. Finally, if the deceased is to be cremated, an autopsy is necessary.

Typically, the hospital’s Pathology Department where the death occurred is responsible for performing the autopsy, which must be conducted within the first three working days following the occurrence of death.

Conditions for Omission of Autopsy

There is also the possibility of omitting the pathological examination, but this comes with strict conditions. First of all, the death must be of natural origin, and the cause of death must be clear. If the autopsy would not yield any further significant findings, the procedure can be avoided. In the case of a person who died in a hospital, the opinions of the attending physician and the pathologist are also required, while in other cases, the attending physician makes the decision.

Furthermore, if the deceased or their relative requested in writing that the autopsy be omitted, this may also be valid. In the case of hospitals, the institution’s medical director makes the final decision regarding the necessity of the autopsy, while in other circumstances, the health authority is responsible for this decision.

It is worth emphasizing that the conditions for omitting an autopsy are strict, and each case must be thoroughly examined before a decision is made.

Forensic and Anatomical Autopsy

There are also special forms of autopsy, such as forensic autopsy, which is mandatory in cases of extraordinary death or when there is suspicion of such. The purpose of forensic autopsy is to clarify the cause and circumstances of death, and it plays an important role in legal proceedings.

Additionally, anatomical autopsy can be performed if the deceased had expressly consented to it during their lifetime or if they had not objected to it. The relative responsible for the burial must also provide written consent for the autopsy to be performed, which must be done within 30 days following the occurrence of death.

These special cases also play an important role in medical education and research, as they contribute to training future doctors and specialists. Forensic and anatomical autopsies, therefore, serve not only to determine the cause of death but also to aid in the expansion of scientific knowledge.