ADVANTAGES OF AN ENT-SPECIFIC DISSECTION TECHNIQUE IN POSTMORTEM EXAMINATIONS

At routinely performed autopsies as described by Hamperl in 1956, ENT- specific regions such as the naso- and mesopharynx usually remain unto uched. However, in cases with pathological changes in these regions a topographical preparation is necessary. Moreover, there is great inter est among ENT-surgeons for studying the pathology of this area and to practice endoscopic and microscopic operation techniques. In close coo peration with the pathologists at RWTH clinic, we re-examined and refi ned further an ENT-specific dissection technique that was first descri bed by Graff in 1932. It allows a complete en bloc resection of all EN T-relevant organs without disfiguring the body. It also provides an op timal anatomical overview and gives insight into interrelations of mor phological findings (thus improving post-mortem diagnosis), as well as allows the possibility for practicing operative techniques apart from the corpse.