Asymptomatic body packers should be treated conservatively

Abstract

Introduction: Body packing takes advantage of the human storage capacity within the alimentary tract. Body packing is used for the smuggling of drugs such as heroin, cocaine, amphetamine, hashish and ecstasy. Most body packers are asymptomatic. However, packets may rupture or obstruct the alimentary tract. Preventive surgery has been recommended for body packers with package retention beyond 5-7 days to prevent the serious consequences of leakage and rupture. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate a conservative protocolled approach to body packers.

Material and methods: We retrospectively registered all patients suspected of body packing who were brought to a department of surgical gastroenterology. The study comprised a two-year study period from 1 March 2011 to 28 February 2013.

Results: A total of 57 patients suspected of body packing were detained and admitted to a hospital. In 29 (53%) of the patients, body packing was confirmed by CT. All 29 body packers were successfully treated conservatively without surgical or endoscopical intervention. The median number of packages ingested was 55 (range 2-120). The body packers were all foreigners and originated from either Eastern Europe or West Africa. In one patient, body packages were retained for 17 days. None of the body packers underwent emergency operation or had signs of rupture.

Conclusion: Body packers can be treated conservatively unless there is clinical suspicion of acute obstruction, perforation or intoxication. Package retention per se is not an indication for emergency operation.

Funding: not relevant.

Trial registration: not relevant.