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Open Access 01-01-2012 | Original Article

Body packers: a plea for conservative treatment

Published in: Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Background

The incidence of smuggling and transporting of illegal drugs by internal concealment, also known as body packing, is increasing in the Western world. The objective of this study was to determine the outcome of conservative and surgical approaches in body packers.

Materials and methods

Clinical data on body packers admitted to our hospital from January 2004 until December 2009 were collected. The protocol for body packers required surgery when packets were present in the stomach for >48 h. Outcomes of the conservative and surgical group were assessed and analyzed. Morbidity and mortality were assessed in body packers with drug packets present in the stomach for <48 h and in those with gastric packets for >48 h.

Results

During the study period, more body packers were treated conservatively. Mortality was 2% in all patients and was due to intoxication. There were no significant differences of mortality, hospital admission time, and ICU admission time in the compared groups with drug packets in the stomach for less or >48 h. In 24% (4/17) of the patients with bad package material, a ruptured drug packet was found during surgery. This resulted in death in only one patient.

Conclusion

Drug packets in the stomach for >48 h are not an indication for surgery. We recommend that surgery should only be performed in body packers with signs of intoxication or ileus and reserve conservative treatment for all other patients.

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Title: Body packers: a plea for conservative treatment
Publication date: 01-01-2012
Published in: Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 1435-2443
Electronic ISSN: 1435-2451
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-011-0846-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Body packers: a plea for conservative treatment

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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