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World Journal of Surgery

Published in:

01-02-2008

Surgery for Body Packing in the Caribbean: A Retrospective Study of 70 Patients

Authors: S. A. de Beer, G. Spiessens, W. Mol, P. R. Fa-Si-Oen

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 2/2008

Abstract

Background

Body packing is a way to deliver packages of drugs hidden in body cavities, across international borders. This may cause mechanical bowel obstruction and intoxication leading to emergency surgery. The objective of this retrospective study is to evaluate pre-, per- and postoperative characteristics of body packing and its complications and prognosis after surgery.

Methods

Medical information was obtained from 70 patients diagnosed with Body Packer syndrome who underwent surgery for body packing in the period of July 2001–July 2005 at the St. Elisabeth hospital, Curaçao, the Netherlands Antilles.

Results

Wound infection occurred in 32.9% and fascia dehiscence in 2.9%. Most procedures were enterotomies. One patient had a re-laparotomy for Hartmann’s procedure because of an anastomotic leak and three other patients had a partial small bowel resection. The creation of a stoma was only needed in one patient. One patient died of postoperative DIC. In six patients packages were left behind, not requiring re-operation.

Conclusions

Bowel obstruction and symptoms of intoxication are clear indications for surgery in body packing patients. In our study there was a low mortality and stoma placement rate, we did find a remarkable high amount of wound infection but no evidence for a higher incidence of fascia dehiscence in comparison with elective gastrointestinal surgery. In surgery for bodypacking a mandatory postoperative x-ray is indicated. A prospective trial is needed to assess more information about possible predictive factors of postoperative complications and mortality after surgery for body packing.

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Title: Surgery for Body Packing in the Caribbean: A Retrospective Study of 70 Patients
Authors: S. A. de Beer
G. Spiessens
W. Mol
P. R. Fa-Si-Oen
Publication date: 01-02-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 2/2008
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-007-9316-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Surgery for Body Packing in the Caribbean: A Retrospective Study of 70 Patients

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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