Ethanol‐glycerin fixation with thymol conservation: A potential alternative to formaldehyde and phenol embalming

Abstract

Anatomical fixation and conservation are required to prevent specimens from undergoing autolysis and decomposition. While fixation is the primary arrest of the structures responsible for autolysis and decomposition, conservation preserves the state of fixation. Although commonly used, formaldehyde has been classified as carcinogenic to humans. For this reason, an adequate substitute was developed. Ethanol-glycerin fixation and thymol conservation are described and compared with formaldehyde and phenol in this technical report. The setup, tissue qualities, financial aspects, and health concerns of this method are discussed. Ethanol-glycerin fixation and thymol conservation provide outstanding haptic and optic tissue qualities. Typical formaldehyde and phenol effects, such as skin, airway, and eye irritation, as well as carcinogenic effects, can be circumvented by using ethanol-glycerin and thymol instead. Ethanol-glycerin fixation is more expensive than formaldehyde and requires an explosion-proof facility. However, the absence of health effects and its convincing tissue qualities balance these higher costs. Therefore, ethanol-glycerin fixation and thymol conservation provide a potential alternative and complement established fixation techniques. The use of carcinogenic formaldehyde and toxic phenol can be effectively restricted through the use of the described method.

Formaldehyde-related clinical symptoms reported by medical students during gross anatomy cadaver dissection

“…A possible choice is ethanol glycerin fixation with thymol or formaldehyde neutralization with ammonium carbonate to reduce the FA level. These methods are recommended for use in gross anatomy laboratories [6,42].…”

Urethral injury in body donor TaTME training

“…Although urethral injuries are rarely observed during laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer [11], accidental intraoperative injuries to the urethra and prostate occur relatively often during TaTME. These types of injuries during TaTME are particularly specific to male patients, although case selection and differences in learning curves may have led to the preponderance of reported complications in men [12].…”

Noxious Effects of Formalin Treated Cadavers on Medical Students During Dissection

“…It is likewise trusted that ethanol glycerine fixation with thymol conservation can be a potential option to formaldehyde and phenol embalming. [17] CONCLUSION Formaldehyde can cause deleterious effects on the health of medical students and medical professionals during dissection. In this way, legitimate security measures should be taken by medical experts to counteract formalin poisonous quality.…”