For the Record - April 25, 2008

Autopsies: An article in Monday’s Health section about arranging a private autopsy said that after the procedure, incisions are closed in a manner that renders them nearly invisible. In fact, after an autopsy large sutures are often used to close an incision. The embalmer later closes the incision with smaller stitches, but these are still visible. Incisions are made in areas that are hidden by clothes, however, and incisions in the head are generally made in the back and can be concealed by hair or a pillow.