Comparative Study of Long Term Preservation of Human Cadaveric Tissue

Abstract

Objectives: To study the effect of long term preservation of the gross and microscopic features of cadaveric tissue using different embalming techniques. Methodology: Eight human cadavers were randomly received and embalmed in Anatomy Laboratory. Cadavers were divided into four groups. In experiment I, cadavers were embalmed with traditional gravity fed embalming technique, without pre injection, using 5 lit fluid consisting of formaldehyde, phenol, water, spirit and glycerin amounting 1 litre each. In experiment II and III cadavers were embalmed using modern electric embalming machine to introduce same embalming fluid without and with the use of pre-injection respectively. In experiment IV cadavers were embalmed using high spirit, reduced formalin and low phenol combination along with pre-injection. Gross and microscopic examination was performed at the beginning and end of 2 years period for histological examination. Results: Preservation of the gross and microscopic features of human tissues was better in experiment III in which arterial injection was given with mechanical pump method along with pre-injection. In gravity fed method, hardening, browning and fragility was maximum and histological structure of skeletal muscle and neurovascular structures was of poor quality. Conclusion:The long term preservation of human cadaveric tissue at gross and microscopic level for academic purposes can be achieved with the use of arterial injection through mechanical pump along with pre-injection using 5-7 l of embalming fluid. Increasing water or spirit content improves resilience, decrease hardening but promotes fungal growth.