The potential translational utility of embalmed cadaveric gastrointestinal tract specimens: a proof-of-concept study

Background: in recent decades, fewer autopsies are performed, often replaced by radiological imaging, resulting in abundant imaging data but few complete anatomical examinations. While most surgical specimens are limited to the disease-affected region. Examining the entire gastrointestinal system of anatomical donors and histologically analysing them could enhance research and valorise donation programs, extending medical knowledge. One factor limiting the preservation of the digestive tract in cadavers is the post-mortem interval. Embalming is one of the most widely used methods to preserve donors, but the post-mortem interval affects the gastrointestinal tract in a stable and time-dependent manner, making its histological examination a challenge. Material and methods: this proof-of-concept study assesses the histological potential of gastrointestinal tissues from embalmed bodies used for anatomical education. Digestive tissues from four donors (two embalmed after 12 h, two after 72 h postmortem) were histologically processed. A scoring system evaluated histological preservation by assessing seven parameters. Results: analysis showed high-quality preservation of embalmed tissues, including intestinal villi, the aorta, and liver sinusoids, highlighting both normal and pathological architecture, such as atherosclerosis, liver fibrosis, and lymphocyte infiltration. Features were identifiable with excellent histological detail in both the 12-h and 72-h post-mortem interval groups. Although this is a proof-of-concept study, only a slight difference was found between the two groups, with significant differences only in epithelium and vessel characteristics. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that donors’ digestive tissues could be suitable for detailed analyses and insights into chronic diseases and ageing, even in cadavers with a long post-mortem interval.