Postmortem Conditions

(p.m.c.) nervous system disorders

Brain purge, Hemorrhage, Atrophy, Diminished circulation

(p.m.c.) respiratory disorders

Cyanosis, Emaciation, Hydrothorax, Hemorrhage, Cavitation

(e.i.) female reproductive disorders

Deformation and discoloration may require reconstruction. Thorough disinfection, topical or hypodermic disinfectant treatment of surface lesions

(e.i.) male reproductive disorders

Deformation and discoloration may require reconstruction. Thorough disinfection, topical or hypodermic disinfectant treatment of surface lesions. Hydrocele requires thorough aspiration and injection of cavity treatment (do not puncture scrotum) and surface packs. Anus should be packed.

(e.i.) neoplasms

Entire areas of the body may require surface embalming and sectional embalming

(e.i.) neoplasms

Excess fluid near tumors, alopecia, jaundice, blood clotting disorders, prosthetic devices

(e.i.) lymphatic disorders

Fluid balance disruption, systemic tissue damage impeding thorough embalming

(p.m.c.) male reproductive disorders

Rapid blood coagulation, Ascities, Edema, Infections, Discolorations

(e.i.) integument disorders

Removal of lesions, reduction of discolorations, treatment of inflamed areas, application of cosmetics, possible restorative art. Proper disinfection and plasticization of non-intact skin

(e.i.) bone and joint disorders

Restoration may be necessary for fractures. Head fractures may lead to tissue distention and may require "head freeze." Swollen joints may inhibit distribution and require surface and hypodermic treatment (fluid is extravascular and cannot be removed).

(e.i) drowning

There may be no excess water in the thorax due to contraction of the larynx. pulmonary and cerebral edema may need to be treated. Possible vasoconstriction in peripheral tissues

(e.i.) digestive disorders

Thorough aspiration and cavity treatment. Special care to select strength and volume considering edema, jaundice, and dehydration

(p.m.c.) digestive disorders

Ascities, Edema, Dehydration, Emaciation, Rapid decomposition, Rapid coagulation of blood, Jaundice, Hemorrhage, Purge, Abdominal distention

(e.i) nervous system disorders

Atrophy and diminished circulation may necessitate sectional embalming with copious amounts of low index solution under low pressure with gentle massage to avoid superficial embalming. Alternate injection and drainage build pressure and increase distribution and diffusion. Aspiration and cavity treatment of cranial cavity may be necessary

(p.m.c.) disturbances in circulation

Diminished circulation, Edema, Abscess, Hemorrhage, Emaciation, Dehydration, Rapid decomposition, Discoloration

(p.m.c.) integument disorders

Discolorations, Dehydration, Lesions, Pigmentation or De-pigmentation, Swelling due to inflammation

(p.m.c.) endocrine gland disorders

Edema, Discoloration, Deformities, Circulatory disturbances

(p.m.c.) lymphatic disorders

Edema, Emaciation, Dehydration, Metastasis

(p.m.c.) urinary disorders

Edema, Uremia, Dehydration, Odor

(p.m.c.) neoplasms

Emaciation, Dehydration, Cachexia, Discoloration, Hemorrhage, Tissue Deformation, Extravascular Obstruction

(e.i) respiratory disorders

Gentle massage and copious amounts of nonastringent arterial fluids to clear antemortem intra vascular cyanosis. Thorough aspiration and cavity treatment to inhibit purge from hydrothorax, hemorrhage, and the spread of respiratory infection.

(e.i.) endocrine gland disorders

High index fluid and surface packs can further discolor tissues. Deformities may be permanent, proper positioning is important

(e.i.) emaciation and cachexia

Hypodermic injection of tissue builder

(p.m.c.) diseases of the heart and blood vessels

Intervascular resistance to flow of arterial fluids. Vessels disposed to fragility and rupture, clots and high viscosity.

(e.i.) disturbances in circulation

Poor circulation results in good environment for microorganisms and abscess formation. Hemorrhages can result in distention from arterial fluid, especially in head. Edema leads to rapid decomp (from hydrolysis).

(e.i.) diseases of the heart and blood vessels

Pre-injection and co-injection chemicals help prepare vessels. Monitor for swelling.

(p.m.c.) female reproductive disorders

Rapid blood coagulation, Ascities, Edema, Infections, Discolorations

(e.i) urinary disorders

Typically require copious amounts of fluid with astringent chemical.

(e.i) jaundice

high volumes of low index

(e.i.) excess fluid in the tissues

increased rates of tissue decomposition due to hydrolysis and the promotion of microbial growth

(e.i) uremia

nitrogenous waste and ammonia increase formaldehyde demand, and alter pH