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The body packer syndrome — cocaine smuggling in the gastro-intestinal tract

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Summary

Cocaine drug packets were found in the gastro-intestinal tract of seven persons, charged with and arrested for presumed drug smuggling. Plain abdominal roentgenograms were positive in 4, while computer tomography of the abdomen (CT-scan) was necessary in 3 others to make the diagnosis. There were no signs of acute intoxication or bowel obstruction. All patients were treated with enemas and/or laxatives in order to evacuate the hidden packets; no complications occurred. A clinical description of the seven cases is followed by a short review of the literature, mainly focused on the possible complications of ingested drug packets and possible methods of removal.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Intensive Care, University of Antwerp — University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium

    T. J. Hartoko, H. E. Demey & L. L. Bossaert

  2. Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology, University of Antwerp — University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium

    A. M. A. De Schepper

  3. Emergency Medicine, University of Antwerp — University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium

    L. E. Beaucourt

Authors
  1. T. J. Hartoko
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  2. H. E. Demey
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  3. A. M. A. De Schepper
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  4. L. E. Beaucourt
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  5. L. L. Bossaert
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Hartoko, T.J., Demey, H.E., De Schepper, A.M.A. et al. The body packer syndrome — cocaine smuggling in the gastro-intestinal tract. Klin Wochenschr 66, 1116–1120 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01727846

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01727846

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