What happens to body parts that are surgically removed… bones, spleens, gall bladders, stones, etc…?
Aug 05, 2010
in
Gallstones
I had a hip replacement… where’s my hip? I mean, what’s the whole process that happens to body parts after they leave the OR?
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5 comments
Brrrr on August 5, 2010 at 9:36 am
It depends on why it was removed.
Those that are removed in a diagnostic ("what’s wrong with it?") procedure are usually sent to the pathology department.
The tissue is often examined, dissected, cut into very thin pieces and prepared on slides. A pathologist will view the slides and report if the cells and structure are normal or abnormal. If abnormal, they will make a diagnosis based on the appearance of the tissue and individual cells.
After path specimens are removed, small volume tissues are usually disposed with the general biohazard waste as another answerer mentioned already. These are usually incinerated at another site.
Some hospitals have their own incinerator for larger volume structures (eg. limbs) and they may be destroyed on site.
In the end, all remaining tissues are incinerated one way or another.
Jason on August 5, 2010 at 9:36 am
They should be going to the incinerator…
Kathryn on August 5, 2010 at 9:36 am
things like that are usually condidered biohardous waste and are disposed of in the same place as used needles and the like.
December 4ever on August 5, 2010 at 9:36 am
I never really thought about it. EEEWWW. Now it’s creepin’ me out.
agarcia72286 on August 5, 2010 at 9:36 am
incinerator …they are in the hospitals