Cadaveric embalming using a modified Thiel method as an alternative to the formalin method

Abstract

Formalin embalming method is cheaper and commonly used. Thiel method is said to be complex, expensive, not commonly used but offers better cadavers for student teaching. The study aimed at exploring the effects of two embalming methods; modified Thiel and formalin methods on cadavers in terms of muscle softness, joint flexibility, tissue colour, formalin smell and the ease with which structures can be identified. This was an experimental study design done over the period of three months where four adult male cadavers were embalmed (two under each method) and the outcome was compared. Using gravity about Ten Litres of arterial and five Litres venous Thiel fluids was slowly infused into each Thiel cadaver through the carotid artery and femoral vein respectively and cadavers remained overnight. Thiel cadavers were submerged in the tank containing about 300L of Thiel fluid, covered with a blanket and left for eight weeks. Each formalin cadaver was infused with about 15Litres of 10% formalin using the carotid artery and then wrapped in transparent plastics. Thereafter, cadavers were codified and placed in different rooms where participants examined and dissected some regions starting with Thiel cadavers and crossing over to the formalin cadavers after twenty-four hours. Thiel cadavers were softer than formalin (mean = 4.89 ± 0.53 Thiel and 2.1 ± 1.26 for formalin). For joint flexibility, at least 75% of participants strongly agreed for Thiel and at least 75% of the participants strongly disagreed for formalin (mean = 4.81 ± 0.86 Thiel and 1.71 ± 1.13 formalin). Tissue colour was closer to natural in Thiel compared to the formalin cadavers (mean = 4.82 ± 0.55 Thiel and 1.77 ± 1.07 formalin). There were no complaints due to irritant formalin smell in Thiel cadavers as opposed to the formalin ones (mean = 1.15 ± 0.55 Thiel and 4.56 ± 1.15 formalin). At least 75% agreed that it was easy to identify structures in the Thiel cadavers than formalin (mean = 4.67 ± 0.61 and 2.61 ± 1.14 formalin). Thiel embalming method offers good quality cadavers that are soft, flexible; tissue colour closer to natural state and without is strong formalin smell and structures can easily be identified.
 Key words: Cadaveric embalming, modified Thiel, formalin methods

Colorimetric variations in cadaveric tissues embalmed with modified Thiel\\\'s and Formalin solutions: An objective comparative study using image J

“…8 Consistent with the findings reported by Appaji et al and Hachabizwa et al, we found that MTS embalmed cadavers had a more natural-looking tissue colour than MFS embalmed cadavers. 8,9 In contrast, Liao et al, proposed that the tissues embalmed with the original Thiel's solution retained their natural colour as opposed to the unfavourable colour of the tissues retained by the MTS. 10 Also, the authors commented that the change in tissue colour could be due to a reduction in strong electrolytes in the MTS compared to the original Thiel solution, which could have affected the MTS's penetration power.…”

“…7 The posit that the difference in tissue colour between the study groups may be attributed to the penetrating abilities of the embalming solutions. 7 Appaji et al and Hachabizwa et al reported that the colour of MTS embalmed cadavers was pale and hypopigmented close to the live tissues when compared to the formalin embalmed, which were dark brown in 8,9 The authors speculated that the varying skin tones they observed among their cadavers were due to the chemical peeling of the epidermis induced by Thiel's solution. 8 Consistent with the findings reported by Appaji et al and Hachabizwa et al, we found that MTS embalmed cadavers had a more natural-looking tissue colour than MFS embalmed cadavers.…”

Thiel embalming method used for anatomy dissection as an educational tool in teaching human anatomy, in research, and in training in comparison of different methods for long term preservation

“…By modifying the original embalming procedures researchers presupposed a simple method for longer persistence of cadavers and thus its use for learning intentions [10,12,23,48,68]. A visionary scientific leader Walter Thiel [24,29] presented 1992 an embalming method that maintains the natural look, colour, flexibility, and characteristics of a living body [26,27,66,67].…”

Modern Method of Commercial Embalming of Poisoned Decomposing Carcasses in Nigeria

“…Formalin-based compositions have been employed as an acceptable modern method of embalming irrespective of its adverse properties [22]. Formalin-embalming is also the cheapest and most popular method of commercial embalming [22,23].…”

“…Formalin-based compositions have been employed as an acceptable modern method of embalming irrespective of its adverse properties [22]. Formalin-embalming is also the cheapest and most popular method of commercial embalming [22,23]. "In addition, a study carried out at the commercial embalming centres in Nigeria noted that the most popular embalming fluid which yielded the best outcome for arresting decomposing bodies (resulting from poisoning) contained a mixture of 30 litres of 20% concentrated formalin, 10 litres of 50% concentrated methanol, 150 grams of ammonium salt, 5 litres of glycerine, 60 litres of water, 10 grams of thymol and 150 grams of arterial dye" [3].…”