Preservation of histology by phenol-based fixative: mini review of recent findings / Preservación de la histología mediante un fijador basado en fenol: una mini revisión de los hallazgos recientes

SUMMARY: In surgical and anatomical training, use of cadaver remains the most ideal technique. Standard formaldehyde solution preserves cadaveric tissues for an extended period comparing to the unfixed tissues. However, it fails to retain the natural texture, color, and biomechanical features. Phenol based soft embalming methods were developed to maintain these properties, while simultaneously decreasing the biohazard risk. Soft embalming techniques have made the bodies more 'lifelike' and wellfitted for training. Though phenol fixation displays rewarding morphological maintenance, we have scanty evidences on the histological preservation. This mini review primarily discussed the latest reports regarding the effect of phenol-based fixation on the tissue histology. Published literatures revealed phenol-based fixation displayed comparable histological preservation to that ofgold standard paraformaldehyde-based solution. It was concluded that phenol-based solution is an excellent fixative used to preserve tissues for microscopic analysis.

RESUMEN: En el entrenamiento quirúrgico y anatómico, el uso de cadáveres sigue siendo la técnica más ideal. La solución estándar de formaldehído conserva los tejidos cadavéricos durante un período prolongado en comparación con los tejidos no fijados. Sin embargo, no conserva la textura, el color y las características biomecánicas naturales. Se desarrollaron métodos de embalsamamiento blando a base de fenol para mantener estas propiedades y, al mismo tiempo, disminuir el riesgo biológico. Las técnicas de embalsamamiento suaves han hecho que los cuerpos sean más "realistas" y estén mejor preparados para la enseñanza. A pesar que la fijación de fenol muestra un buen mantenimiento morfológico, existe evidencia escasa sobre la preservación histológica. Esta mini revisión se refirió principalmente a los últimos informes sobre el efecto de la fijación en base de fenol en la histología del tejido. La literatura publicada reveló que la fijación a base de fenol mostró una preservación histológica comparable a la de la solución a base de paraformaldehído. Se concluyó que la solución a base de fenol es un excelente fijador utilizado para preservar tejidos para análisis microscópico.

Técnica de embalsamiento de cadáver según Thiel: un método valioso para entrenar y mejorar las destrezas quirúrgicas en el campo de la otorrinolaringología / Thiel embalming technique for cadáver preservation: an overview of a valuable method for training and improvement of the surgical skills in otolaryngology

RESUMEN Los tiempos modernos nos obligan a que la formación de un médico cirujano no se base sólo en conocimientos teóricos, sino que adquiera las mayores habilidades quirúrgicas para así evitar riesgos innecesarios en una sociedad altamente exigente. La disección y el entrenamiento de los procedimientos quirúrgicos juegan un papel primordial para cumplir este objetivo, por lo que recientemente se ha promovido una forma de preservación cadavérica que permite realizar mediante situaciones bastantes realistas dichos adiestramientos. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica electrónica, restringida al idioma inglés en Pubmed, Scopus y WOS donde se pretende describir y analizar las aplicaciones de esta técnica. La revisión ofreció artículos de relevancia que demuestran la aplicación de esta técnica novedosa en la preservación de cadáveres y sus posibles aplicaciones en el campo de otorrinolaringología.

ABSTRACT Nowadays, it is not possible to train a healthcare professional only based on theoretical knowledge, but acquiring the highest surgical skills to avoid unnecessary risks in a highly demanding society, therefore dissection and training of surgical procedures play a key role in fulfilling this objective, which is why a form of cadaveric preservation has recently been promoted, which allows realizing such training through realistic situations. An electronic literature search was carried out, restricted to the English language in MEDLINE, where it is intended to describe and analyze the applications of this technique. The review offered articles of relevance that demonstrate the application of this novel technique in the preservation of corpses and their possible applications in the field of otorhinolaryngology.

Walter Thiel's embalming method: review of solutions and applications in different fields of biomedical research / Método de embalsamamiento de Walther Thiel: revisión de las soluciones y sus aplicaciones en diferentes campos de investigación biomédica

Walter Thiel developed the method that enables preservation of the body with natural colors in 1992. It consists in the application of an intravascular injection formula, and maintaining the corps submerged for a determinate period of time in the immersion solution in the pool. After immersion, it is possible to maintain the corps in a hermetically sealed container, thus avoiding dehydration outside the pool. The aim of this work was to review the Thiel method, searching all scientific articles describing this technique from its development point of view, and application in anatomy and morphology teaching, as well as in clinical and surgical practice. Most of these studies were carried out in Europe. We used PubMed, Ebsco and Embase databases with the terms "Thiel cadaver", "Thiel embalming", "Thiel embalming method" and we searched for papers that cited Thiel`s work. In comparison with methods commonly used with high concentrations of formaldehyde, this method lacks the emanation of noxious or irritating gases; gives the corps important passive joint mobility without stiffness; maintaining color, flexibility and tissue plasticity at a level equivalent to that of a living body. Furthermore, it allows vascular repletion at the capillary level. All this makes for great advantage over the formalin-fixed and fresh material. Its multiple uses are applicable in anatomy teaching and research; teaching for undergraduates (prosection and dissection) and for training in surgical techniques for graduates and specialists (laparoscopies, arthroscopies, endoscopies).

En 1992, Walter Thiel desarrolló el método que permite la preservación del cuerpo con colores naturales. Consiste en la aplicación de una fórmula de inyección intravascular y el mantenimiento del cuerpo sumergido en pileta, en una solución de inmersión específica, durante un período determinado de tiempo. Después de la inmersión, es posible mantener el cuerpo en un recipiente herméticamente sellado, evitando así la pérdida del líquido fijador, fuera de la pileta. El objetivo de este trabajo fue revisar el método de Thiel, buscando todos los artículos científicos que describen esta técnica desde el punto de vista de su desarrollo, y su aplicación en la enseñanza de la anatomía y morfología, así como en la práctica clínica y quirúrgica. La mayoría de estos estudios se realizaron en Europa. Utilizamos las bases de datos PubMed, Ebsco y Embase con los términos "Thiel cadaver", "Thiel embalsamamiento", "método de embalsamamiento de Thiel" y se buscaron los documentos que citan el trabajo de Thiel. En comparación con los métodos comúnmente utilizados con altas concentraciones de formaldehído, este método carece de emanación de gases nocivos o irritantes; Da al cuerpo una movilidad articular pasiva importante sin rigidez; Manteniendo el color, la flexibilidad y la plasticidad del tejido a un nivel equivalente al de un cuerpo vivo. Además, permite la repleción vascular a nivel capilar. Todo esto hace una gran ventaja sobre el material fijado con formalina y fresco. Sus usos múltiples son aplicables en la enseñanza y la investigación de la anatomía; (prosección y disección) y para la formación en técnicas quirúrgicas para graduados y especialistas (laparoscopias, artroscopias, endoscopias).

Comparative study between two techniques using a glycerin in the conservation of central nervous system

Standard formalin embalming is the most important of all work with cadavers in anatomy laboratories, as it keeps the tissue strict, insoluble and protected against deterioration. The most commonly used substance for preservation of cadavers and tissues is formaldehyde, a preservative because it is inexpensive, easy penetration and fast action on the parts. Another substance used is glycerin with rapid action and dehydrating fixative, used also for the preservation of anatomical specimens. This study aimed to compare two techniques that use glycerin in conserving parts of the central nervous system of animals. We evaluated the properties and fixing of conservative solutions applied. The two techniques chosen for this work were: the Giacomini and Torres method. In the Torres method, the tissue was more flexible and easy to visualize the structures. In the Giacomini method, the tissues were dark colored, rigid, with little flexibility. This technique requires a shorter time of immersion, compared to Torres. We conclude that the most appropriate method for application in laboratories of anatomy and applicability in practical lessons is technique was Torres.

Can homemade alcohol (Raksi) be useful for preserving dead bodies? An experiment on wistar albino rats.

INTRODUCTION: Embalming is the through disinfection and art of preserving bodies after death using chemical substances. It keeps a body life like in appearance during the time it lies in a state prior to funeral. OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of Raksi in sacrificed rats in arresting postmortem changes and establishing scientific fact whether Raksi can be an alternative to standard embalming constituent if it is not available. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 50 albino rats were systematically randomized into control and experiment groups. Raksi and distilled water were injected for embalming purpose intraventricularly in experiment and control groups of rats respectively and kept for 48 to 96 hours for observation for postmortem changes. RESULT: Observations made at 48 and 72 hours of embalming revealed that Raksi can arrest postmortem changes in the rats up to 72 hours (3rd day) successfully in the experimental group whereas moderate to severe postmortem changes were seen in the control group. The experimental group showed mild degree of putrefactive changes, liberation of gases and liquefaction of tissues only at 96 hours (4th day) of embalming. DISCUSSION: The Raksi used in this experiment contained 34% of alcohol, which was determined by an alcohol hydrometer. Experiment clearly demonstrated from its result that raksi can be utilised temporarily for embalming since it contains alcohol and has preservative, bactericidal and disinfectant properties. CONCLUSION: It is concluded from the study that this knowledge if applied to dead human subjects, may preserve dead bodies temporarily allowing delayed funeral.

Condition and mechanism of formation of mummy in Shanghai region / 法医学杂志

To investigates the condition and the mechanism of the formation of mummy in Shanghai region. Three cases of mummy were normaly examinated. It showed that the formation condition of mummy were influenced by season, scene, and the corpse keeping methods etc. In warm and damp southern region in Shanghai, the mummy formation depended on lower temperature, dry environment season, dehydrated and hunger before death, and interfered factors like ventilating and turning over corpse frequently.