Forensic Medicine · Autopsy & Examination of the Dead

Methods of Organ Removal During Autopsy

2 min read · Verified by professors

1. Virchow's Method

Principle: Organs are removed one by one and examined separately (individually after removal).

Advantages:

  • Simple and easy to perform.
  • Suitable for beginners.
  • Convenient when examination is limited to a particular organ; convenient for routine autopsies.

Disadvantages:

  • Relationships between organs may be lost.
  • Difficult to trace disease processes extending through multiple organs.
  • Less useful in demonstrating anatomical continuity / systemic disease.

2. Rokitansky's Method

Principle: Organs are dissected in situ with limited removal.