Evaluating the Embalming Procedures of Putrefying Bodies in Relation to Age in Anambra State, Nigeria

The practice of embalming putrefying bodies involves the restoration of body features damaged by diseases or accidents of different forms and it requires special skill or training. The present study was designed to investigate the embalming techniques (methods), storage (post mortem management) procedures, and different embalming fluid composition used at the six study areas in order to determine the success or failure rate for preserving putrefying bodies in Anambra state in relation to age range. Two study areas were randomly selected from each of the three senatorial zones in Anambra state. A total of 2523 bodies were brought in for embalmment out of which 351 bodies were at the early stages of putrefaction. The embalmment procedure, storage and embalmment fluid composition for these putrefying bodies were evaluated with respect to age. The individual result on age range showed significant association between embalming procedure and age range at five study areas. Three study areas recorded some levels of failure outcome which was determined using checklist and empirical observations during the study. The results noted that failure of embalming putrefying bodies at the study areas were dependent on the age range, as well as on the embalming fluid composition and embalming management (storage) procedures. This study revealed that age range and embalming fluid composition contributes to the outcome of embalming putrefying bodies in Anambra state.

Key Words: Embalming Procedures, Putrefying Bodies, Age Range and Embalming Fluid