Comparative gross anatomic evaluation of fetal cadavers embalmed with modified saturated salt solution to that of traditional saturated salt solution and formaldehyde

Joseph Abraham, Anne D. Souza*, Anil K. Bhat, Sneha Guruprasad Kalthur, Akhilesh Kumar Pandey, Lydia S. Quadros, Vrinda Hari Ankolekar, Sushma Prabhath

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: The study explores the degree of tissue preservation, the flexibility of joints, and anatomical alterations of fetal tissue embalmed with modified saturated-salt solution compared to the traditional saturated-salt solution and formaldehyde solutions. Methods: Study involved four groups of fetuses. The first group was embalmed with 37% formaldehyde, the second group was embalmed with the modified saturated-salt solution followed by immersion, the third group was embalmed with a modified saturated-salt solution and placed in a refrigerated chamber, and the fourth group was embalmed with a saturated-salt solution and immersed in the same solution. Anatomists compared the gross anatomic appearances across four embalming methods using a checklist. Results: The immersion group of modified saturated-salt solution had life-like quality, tactile fidelity, and organ consistency, especially in the first six months. After six months, gross-anatomic features of saturated-salt solution, cold storage, and immersion groups of modified saturated-salt solution were not significantly different. General appearance of the immersion group of modified saturated-salt solution remained superior even at the end of one year. The cold storage group of modified saturated-salt solution maintained a more natural smell and softer organs at the end of the first year than other groups. Immersion group of modified saturated-salt solution joint range of movements was greater than that of the other group throughout the preservation time. Conclusion: Modified saturated-salt solution immersion can be considered an ideal fetal cadaveric preservation method, and even modified saturated salt solution embalming with cold storage is also not inferior, while long-term storage is considered.

Original languageEnglish
JournalMedical Journal Armed Forces India
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 2024

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Medicine

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