title: Body packing: from seizures to laparotomy.
abstract: Body packing is a common method for illegal drug trafficking. Complications associated with body packing can be severe and even lead to rapid death. Thus, a timely diagnosis is warranted. As most body packers initially do not show any symptoms, making a correct diagnosis can be rather challenging. We describe a case of a 41-year-old male, who was admitted with an epileptic seizure and who turned out to be a cocaine intoxicated body packer. Due to neurological and cardiovascular deterioration an emergency surgery was performed. Four bags of cocaine could be removed. We discuss the current management regimen in symptomatic and asymptomatic body packers and highlight pearls and pitfalls with diagnosis and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Rorschacherstrasse 95, 9007 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Joanna M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Janczak
authors.affiliation: Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Rorschacherstrasse 95, 9007 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Beutner
authors.affiliation: Emergency Department, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Rorschacherstrasse 95, 9007 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hasler