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A Body-packer with a Cocaine Bag Stuck in the Stomach

Overview
Journal World J Radiol
Specialty Radiology
Date 2011 Aug 24
PMID 21860710
Citations 11
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Abstract

Management of patients carrying packets of drugs in the digestive tract is a frequent medical problem. We report on a patient who was referred by the police after ingestion of packets of cocaine. After spontaneous elimination of 81 drug packets, the patient had three unremarkable stools. A plain abdominal X-ray disclosed no residual packet but computed tomography (CT) scan showed one in the stomach. As this was not eliminated during the 10 d following ingestion, it was removed through gastrotomy. This case stresses the usefulness of the CT scan to ensure that no residual packet is present before hospital discharge.

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