ISSN:
1432-1440
Keywords:
Gastro-intestinal tract
;
Foreign bodies
;
Cocaine-, heroin-, marihuana intoxication
;
Body-packing
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
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.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01727846
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