Body packers

ABSTRACT

To present our experience in the management of 12 patients with intracorporeal drug smuggling. Twelve consecutive patients presented over a period of one year, because of delay in passing the drug packages. The packages were detected by enzyme immunoassay of drug metabolites in their urine, and confirmed by x-rays. Eleven patients passed the packages spontaneously; even with some delay [average hospital stay of 4 days]. One patient needed a laparotomy because of development of symptoms suggestive of acute cocaine intoxication [agitation tachycardia sweating and hyperthermia]. All the 12 patients were well on discharge from the hospital. Conservative management by mild laxatives is the main line of treatment. Instrumentation in the form of enemas or endoscopy should be avoided because of the risk of disruption to the wrappings and subsequent intoxication. Surgery is indicated to retrieve the packages if signs of obstruction or intoxication develop