Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology

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Estimation of Time since Death by Gastric Contents: an Overview


Affiliations
1 Dept. of Forensic Medicine, SSIMS & RC, Davangere, India
2 Dept. of Forensic Medicine, SMC & RC, Tumkur, India
3 Dept. of Physiology, SSIMS & RC, Davangere, India
     

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Assessment of time since death is subjected to variable variations because in Biology, variation is a rule and stability is an exception, whereas in Science, stability is a rule and variation is an exception. The time of death estimation plays important role in solving both criminal and civil cases. Many factors contribute to great intra and inter individual variability of gastric emptying. This study is undertaken to collect available literature for reference and to form a common opinion that the doctor can depose safely. During medico-legal autopsy, if the doctor finds distinguishable full meal in the stomach, it would suggest that the victim died within 2 hours after the last meal and 4 hours if it is indistinguishable.

Keywords

Gastric Emptying, Time since Death, Cholecystokinin, Autopsy
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  • Estimation of Time since Death by Gastric Contents: an Overview

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Authors

Vijayakumar B. Jatti
Dept. of Forensic Medicine, SSIMS & RC, Davangere, India
Dharmaraya Ingale
Dept. of Forensic Medicine, SSIMS & RC, Davangere, India
K. Chandru
Dept. of Forensic Medicine, SMC & RC, Tumkur, India
Chandrashekhar Karpoor
Dept. of Physiology, SSIMS & RC, Davangere, India

Abstract


Assessment of time since death is subjected to variable variations because in Biology, variation is a rule and stability is an exception, whereas in Science, stability is a rule and variation is an exception. The time of death estimation plays important role in solving both criminal and civil cases. Many factors contribute to great intra and inter individual variability of gastric emptying. This study is undertaken to collect available literature for reference and to form a common opinion that the doctor can depose safely. During medico-legal autopsy, if the doctor finds distinguishable full meal in the stomach, it would suggest that the victim died within 2 hours after the last meal and 4 hours if it is indistinguishable.

Keywords


Gastric Emptying, Time since Death, Cholecystokinin, Autopsy

References