Challenges in embalming in Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Cadaveric dissection is the most important and significantly contribute to learning anatomy by understanding the 3D relationships of all body structures and their variations so also to a future professional career. Nowadays even though some institutions stopped the dissection of cadavers and started the use of virtual dissection table for the study of human anatomy but still, the knowledge gained in didactic lecture is believed to be reinforced and elaborated by the dissection of cadavers. So undoubtedly the cadaveric dissection facilitates learning of the 3D structure of the human body through observation, but at the same time, it is expensive, time-consuming and potentially hazardous. The current outbreak is unpredictable. Even though the scientists around the world learnt much about coronavirus and Covid- 19 in a short span but still there are many grey areas, and guidelines are evolving based on new information and different issues regarding embalming dead bodies of Covid-19. India is in the phase of cluster spread but not having a community-transmission. But this will also have an impact on body donation. To deal with the continually changing epidemiology and new information related to body donation and embalming issues, guidelines should be regularly updated. This review cites the safety precautions for embalming the dead bodies of Covid-19 victims and the challenges in procurement of the cadavers for medical education in times of highly hazardous Covid-19 pandemic.