Autopsy as the ultimate yardstick of medicine

Abstract

Autopsies are a crucial tool in medicine, serving as the ultimate measure for assessing diagnoses, treatments and healthcare quality. Despite advances in medical technology, autopsy rates have declined. This revealed the significant discrepancies between clinical diagnoses and actual causes of death. The discrepancies found through autopsies are classified based on the Goldman’s criteria, showing the limitations of modern medical technology. While less invasive autopsy techniques are being developed to address ethical and cultural concerns, traditional autopsies remain irreplaceable for education, research and quality assurance. This shows that more than ever the value of autopsy is critical to medicine.