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World Journal of Surgery

Published in:

01-07-2008

Value of a Systematic Operative Protocol for Cocaine Body Packers

Authors: Nicolas Veyrie, Stéphane Servajean, Abdelhalim Aissat, Nicola Corigliano, Céline Angelakov, Jean-Luc Bouillot

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 7/2008

Abstract

Background

Internal concealment of illicit drugs during international drug traffic represents an important problem in developed countries. These drug traffickers are called “body packers.” The aim of this study was to analyze retroprospectively the surgical indications and complications for cocaine body packers and to describe our systematic operative protocol.

Methods

From January 1997 to December 2005, 1,181 cocaine body packers were admitted to our Medico-Judiciary Emergency Department. All patients had the same medical surveillance protocol. Nineteen patients required surgical procedure to remove drug packets.

Results

Thirteen patients had obstruction or intestinal retention (68%). Suspicion of packet rupture or cocaine intoxication occurred in six patients (32%). Zero to three enterotomies were necessary during laparotomy. No deaths occurred. One pouch abscess required relaparotomy and one wound abscess was treated medically. The median hospital stay was 7 days (range: 5–30 days).

Conclusions

Few cocaine body packers required a laparotomy. Our systematic operative protocol allowed intestinal clearance and caused acceptable morbidity rate.

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Title: Value of a Systematic Operative Protocol for Cocaine Body Packers
Authors: Nicolas Veyrie
Stéphane Servajean
Abdelhalim Aissat
Nicola Corigliano
Céline Angelakov
Jean-Luc Bouillot
Publication date: 01-07-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 7/2008
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-007-9432-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Value of a Systematic Operative Protocol for Cocaine Body Packers

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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