Evaluating the Embalming Procedures of Putrefying Bodies in Relation to Gender in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Embalming is the art and science of preserving a dead body so as to achieve an aseptic condition, a pre-mortem appearance and preservation of the body for a long period of time (Biswas, 2012). Putrefaction is the fifth stage of death, following pallor mortis, algor mortis, rigor mortis, and livor mortis (Rao, 2013). In addition, putrefaction is the process of breakdown of the human body after death. In broad terms, putrefaction can be viewed as the decomposition of proteins, and the eventual breakdown of the cohesiveness between tissues, and the liquefaction of most organs. This is caused by the decomposition of organic matter by bacterial or fungal digestion, which causes the release of gases that infiltrate the body's tissues, and leads to the deterioration of the tissues and organs (Clark et al, 1997). Several stages have been proposed for the decomposition process (Goff, 2009). Five stages have been recognized and these appear to be easily applied to studies conducted in temperate areas (Clarence and Fredrick, 1989; Lord and Goff, 2003; McLemore and Zumwalt, 2003). These stages are: Fresh, Bloated, Decay, Post-decay and Skeletal or Remains. The most common modification of this set is to subdivide the Decay Stage into Active Decay and Advanced Decay stages (Goff, 2009). The final stage of embalmment requires preparing a body for public display at a funeral, or for religious reasons, or for medical or scientific purposes which involves the following: Body Sanitization – To destroy microbial activities leading to putrefaction; Body Preparation – The embalming process; Body Preservation – The proper storage and management of body in the mortuary; and Body Presentation – The Funeral
service preparation (Bark, 1992). There are four processes involved in embalming, thus: arterial, hypodermic, surface and cavity embalming (Jayovelu, 1991). Arterial embalming involves the injection of embalming chemicals into the blood vessels, usually via the common carotid artery. Blood and interstitial fluids are displaced by this solution. Hypodermic embalming is a supplemental method which refers to the injection of embalming chemicals into tissue with a hypodermic needle and syringe, generally used as needed on a case by case basis to treat areas where arterial fluid has not been successfully distributed. Surface embalming is another supplemental method which is used to preserve and restore areas directly on the skin's surface and other superficial areas as well as areas of damage. Cavity embalming refers to the replacement of internal fluids inside body cavities with embalming chemicals via the use of an aspirator and trocar. In recent times, arterial embalming (modern embalming) is the commonest technique used to embalm bodies in most funeral homes (mortuaries) all over the world (Jayovelu, 1991). The five stages involved in embalming dead bodies include: the embalming fluid preparation, the embalming process, temporary storage (body management phase), permanent storage and body presentation or cosmetic application stage (Rao, 2013). An ideal embalming fluid shall constitute a dilute solution of Formalin (40%), glycerine and water. The embalming process requires proper venous drainage so as to ensure a good outcome after embalmment. The body should be placed on a temporary storage slab where it is monitored to abate further autolysis activity. The body is finally preserved in a permanent storage location where it is allowed to dry.