Necropsias na capital importância para o esclarecimento de causas de óbito

Abstract

Despite advances in the healthcare field, autopsy remains an essential examination for determining the cause of death. In Goiânia, this procedure is carried out by public institutions, specifically the Goiânia Death Verification Service (SVO) and the Aristoclides Teixeira Institute of Legal Medicine (IML), each with their own defined responsibilities. The purpose of the autopsy is not only to serve as a foundation for medical education—integrating clinical diagnosis with anatomical-pathological findings—but also to clarify the causes leading to death, whether natural or violent. In this sense, the information obtained contributes to mortality statistics, which directly influence the development of public policies. The aim of this study is to highlight the importance of autopsies conducted by the appropriate institutions and the societal impacts of their findings, while also emphasizing the value of this procedure as a fundamental tool. The study employs an integrative review methodology, gathering essential information about the SVO and IML, as well as their connection to public policy. The results underscore the autopsy as a valuable tool and reveal the social impact of undetermined causes of death, offering insights into the workflow of these services for better understanding. Thus, post-mortem examinations provide a foundational knowledge base, reinforce clinical diagnoses, generate statistics, and consequently support the development of public health and safety policies. Understanding this process is crucial for ensuring that the population has access to guidance and information.