Citation

Leo PJ, Sachter JJ, Melrose M. J. Accid. Emerg. Med. 1995; 12(1): 43-48.

Affiliation

Mount Sinai School of Medicine Integrated Residency in Emergency Medicine, New York, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

7640829

PMCID

PMC1342518

Abstract

Drug smuggling by internal bodily concealment is a well-recognized international problem, particularly in view of the difficulty of its detection and the potential for large financial gains. This mode of transport can have serious medical complications, including drug intoxication--sometimes fatal--as well as intestinal obstruction by foreign bodies (FBs). We discuss a case of heroin 'bodypacking' (the ingestion of heroin filled condoms) with its resultant complications. The initial medical management and indications for surgery are discussed, and the relevant literature reviewed.

Language: en