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Case Reports
. 2016 Apr;4(4):E443-5.
doi: 10.1055/s-0042-103242. Epub 2016 Mar 30.

Endoscopic retrieval of baggies in body stuffers

Mahtab Shabani  1 , Nasim Zamani  2 , Hossein Hassanian-Moghaddam  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Endoscopic retrieval of baggies in body stuffers

Mahtab Shabani et al. Endosc Int Open. 2016 Apr.

Abstract

Body packing/stuffing is currently a huge medical problem. A conservative approach and waiting for spontaneous packet expulsion are usually recommended. However, in a patient with packets stuck in the stomach, surgical treatments are generally advocated if complications occur. Endoscopic evacuation of the packets is generally not favored because of its potential hazards, including manipulation and rupture of the packets and deterioration of the patients' condition. However, it may prevent more invasive treatment modalities including surgical intervention. We present case reports on four symptomatic body stuffers with potentially dangerous ingestions who underwent endoscopic evacuation of their packets and survived.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Sagittal computed tomography (lung window) scan of the last patient showing a big packet that contains smaller baggies (arrow).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The packs retrieved from the same patient after upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Left: The main pack. Right: Baggies inside the main pack.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
View of a baggie during endoscopy
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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