[Smuggling of illegal drugs by body suffers].
BACKGROUND
Body packers are persons who smuggle illegal drugs by swallowing condoms or plastic cylinders containing such substances. Body stuffers are drug dealers or drug abusers who swallow illegal drugs in an effort to conceal evidence during an arrest or in fear of being arrested.


METHODS
We report four cases and discuss management.


CONCLUSIONS
Asymptomatic body packers may be managed conservatively with laxatives and water-soluble contrast medium. This method allows an accurate follow-up with abdominal radiography. If patients develop abdominal pain or signs and symptoms of intoxication, surgical intervention should be considered. Both types of patients should be monitored carefully.
Aksnes
Tonje Amb
TA
Akuttmedisinsk avdeling, Medisinsk divisjon, Ullevål universitetssykehus, 0407 Oslo. tonjeamb.aksnes@ulleval.no
Jacobsen
Dag
D
D000328:Adult; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003042:Cocaine / Q000506:poisoning; D003415:Crime; D004349:Drug Packaging; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009294:Narcotics / Q000506:poisoning*; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal
D002400:Cathartics; D009294:Narcotics; D003042:Cocaine