Histopathology 2002, 40, 482
Book review
The Hospital Autopsy, 2nd edn
J. Burton & G. Rutty, eds. London: Arnold, 2001, 208 pp.,
£55. ISBN 0340764201
This is the 2001 version of the 1993 book previously
edited by Dennis Cotton and Simon Cross. With time,
several changes have occurred. The chapter numbers
have increased from 14 to 18, and it is interesting that
the basic hospital autopsy chapter has been expanded
into three chapters on external examination, eviscera-
tion and the hospital autopsy. New chapters have been
introduced on the autopsy’s future, autopsies and the
law, reconstruction and anaphylaxis.
A significant loss relates to museum design and
preparation, reflecting the major changes that have
occurred in autopsy practice since the first edition.
There is now considerable debate on the areas of
consent and retention of organs and this book deals
very well with these thorny issues.
This book evolved from the well-established Shef-
field Autopsy Course which is to many trainee
pathologists a rite of passage in their early years.
There has been recent debate with regard to the
necessity of the autopsy for all histopathologists and
whether we need to teach young pathologists this
difficult skill. In line with curriculum revisions in
medical education generally, have we now reached
the stage where the autopsy is no longer considered a
Ó 2002 Blackwell Science Limited.
core subject in histopathology training? Should it now
be considered an optional subject for those with a
particular interest in developing autopsy skills, specif-
ically in the area of forensic pathology? I hope not,
but this is a debate for the specialty generally, within
the context of the Royal College of Pathologists and its
examination structure.
In the meantime, this book provides an excellent
introduction to autopsy practice. It is particularly
relevant for junior pathologists, especially at an early
stage, but has many useful tips on autopsy practice
which more established pathologists may wish to
sample. Not all pathologists will agree with the
preferred methods of incision as described, particularly
relating to exposure of the neck in non-forensic cases.
However, the authors acknowledge the considerable
variation within individual practice which exists and
accept that such variation can be accommodated. The
black-and-white illustrations at times do not do justice
to some techniques, and future editions may benefit
from colour.
A copy of this book should be available in all
mortuaries undertaking autopsies in which junior
pathologists are involved. Individual trainees may wish
to have this book as a useful revision aid in the run up
to MRCPath Part 2 (while the autopsy is still a
component of this examination).
R F T McMahon