Validation Study on the Embalming of Lynched Early Decomposing Bodies in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: When bodies are lynched, there could be loss of body parts, deep wounds, bruises, and fractures of the bone which would lead to difficulties in embalming processes. There is little or no literature on the embalming of early decomposing lynched bodies in Nigeria. Objective: This study investigated the effectiveness of an embalming mixture containing formalin, methanol, and water in preserving early decomposing lynched bodies using domestic pigs. Materials and Methods: Four domestic pigs were used to carry out this experiment. Early decomposition was noted within the first eight hours post-mortem. Animals were embalmed via arterial and hypodermic embalming techniques. Results: Decomposition progressed to bloat and active decay stages in some body parts of the animals. Animals were re-embalmed on the 5th, 6th, and 12th post-mortem days via the hypodermic embalming technique. However, decomposition was slowed down on the 7th post-mortem day and was completely halted on the 15th post-mortem day. All the animals were completely fixed from the 15th day till the last day of the study period (35th post-mortem day). Conclusion: An embalming fluid containing formalin, methanol, and water is very effective in preserving lynched bodies by using arterial and hypodermic embalming techniques.