Reducing Occupational Hazards in Forensic Autopsy: A Novel Approach to Brain Removal via Craniotomy

The COVID-19 pandemic, like other highly contagious outbreaks, has forced us to rethink and adjust many aspects of daily life. In the medical world, most fields have quickly developed new methods or adapted existing ones to reduce the risks posed by the virus. Forensic pathology, which often involves high-risk aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) during autopsies to investigate deaths from unknown causes, faces the same challenge. The need to protect healthcare workers in this area has become more critical than ever. In light of this, the authors present an alternative method for removing the brain during autopsies in post-craniotomy cases, eliminating the need for the traditional approach of sawing through the skull. This technique reduces the risk of generating aerosols, which are a primary mode of transmission for airborne infections. Importantly, the method can be applied to all cases, regardless of whether the deceased is suspected of carrying an infectious disease, making it a versatile and safer option. This innovative approach shows how forensic pathology can evolve to meet the safety demands of the pandemic without sacrificing the quality of the investigation. By reducing the risk of exposure to infectious agents, forensic pathologists and other professionals involved in post-mortem procedures are protected. In a time when infection control is a top priority, such changes to traditional practices help ensure that crucial medical examinations can continue safely.