[Special proposal].

Abstract

Various kinds organs and tissues obtained from operations and autopsies are preserved for a certain period of time after obtaining samples for histopathological examination and are later disposed of. Some of these organs and tissues are occasionally used for research or educational purposes. Although consent is usually obtained from the patient or from the family of the deceased patient before performing an operation or autopsy, the use and disposal of residual organs and tissues have been performed by clinicians or pathologists without obtaining consent from the patient or from the family of the deceased patient. Now, however, consent must be obtained after sufficient explanation to the patient or to the family of the deceased patient for the storage, use and disposal of residual organs and tissues. It must be kept in mind that residual organs and tissues are parts of a human body and that these parts belong to the patient from which they were obtained or to the family of the deceased patient. These points are important and provide an ethical basis for use and disposal of residual organs and tissues.