Autopsy rates in medical schools and hospitals in Japan

The autopsy rates in Japanese medical schools and hospitals were reviewed. Although moderate autopsy levels have been maintained in medical schools (50%) and large training hospitals (30%), a slight tendency towards a decrease was demonstrated recently. Since autopsy is important in education, research and the quality control of medicine, it is essential to keep the autopsy rate high. Our analyses indicate that autopsy gives satisfaction to clinicians if clinical data are correlated in detail with pathological findings. Thus, efforts should be directed to strengthening the training of pathologists in the analysis of clinical data, which are essential for correct pathological diagnoses. In order to cope with the rapid progress in all fields of medicine, pathologists must collaborate with clinical staff to obtain all the information necessary for interpretation of autopsy data. This action also helps to keep the autopsy rate high. No international guidelines are available on autopsy. Autopsies are carried out for different purposes at different levels. An internationally agreed set of rules would allow efficient use of autopsy data for epidemiological studies. Genetic analysis of autopsy material is now feasible, and this may be useful in tracing etiological factors, such as infections and genetic predisposition. Various aspects of autopsy must be reconsidered in the light of modern science.