A Schaper1, R Hofmann, M Ebbecke, H Desel, C Langer. 1. Giftinformationszentrum-Nord der Länder Bremen, Hamburg, Niedersachsen und Schleswig-Holstein,Bereich Humanmedizin, Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen. aschaper@giz-nord.de
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Body-packers or "mules" are drug smugglers who swallow cocaine-filled condoms in order to conceal them during air travel. Body pushers hide drug packages in the rectum or vagina. In a cooperative effort between the Frankfurt Airport Clinic and the GIZ-Nord (Goettingen University poison control center), we performed a retrospective study and developed an algorithm for the problem of "rupture of a cocaine-filled condom in a body-packer." METHODS: In a retrospective analysis, the data of all cocaine body-packers and body pushers who were identified at Frankfurt International Airport from 1985 to 2001 were evaluated.Temporal development, demographic data, and surgical aspects were of special interest. RESULTS: From 1985 to 2001 a total of 280 body pushers and 2880 body-packers were identified: 63 "mules" (2.2%) developed symptoms of severe cocaine intoxication following rupture of a condom. Emergency laparotomy was performed on 20 patients (i.e., 32% of all symptomatic body-packers) and the condoms were removed, while 43 body-packers (68%) died before surgical therapy could be initiated. All operated patients survived. CONCLUSION: Severe cocaine intoxication is life threatening. Patients die from complications caused by generalized vasoconstriction. If the reason for severe cocaine intoxication is the rupture of a cocaine-filled condom,the only possible therapy consists of immediate laparotomy for removal of the condoms.
INTRODUCTION: Body-packers or "mules" are drug smugglers who swallow cocaine-filled condoms in order to conceal them during air travel. Body pushers hide drug packages in the rectum or vagina. In a cooperative effort between the Frankfurt Airport Clinic and the GIZ-Nord (Goettingen University poison control center), we performed a retrospective study and developed an algorithm for the problem of "rupture of a cocaine-filled condom in a body-packer." METHODS: In a retrospective analysis, the data of all cocaine body-packers and body pushers who were identified at Frankfurt International Airport from 1985 to 2001 were evaluated.Temporal development, demographic data, and surgical aspects were of special interest. RESULTS: From 1985 to 2001 a total of 280 body pushers and 2880 body-packers were identified: 63 "mules" (2.2%) developed symptoms of severe cocaine intoxication following rupture of a condom. Emergency laparotomy was performed on 20 patients (i.e., 32% of all symptomatic body-packers) and the condoms were removed, while 43 body-packers (68%) died before surgical therapy could be initiated. All operated patients survived. CONCLUSION: Severe cocaine intoxication is life threatening. Patients die from complications caused by generalized vasoconstriction. If the reason for severe cocaine intoxication is the rupture of a cocaine-filled condom,the only possible therapy consists of immediate laparotomy for removal of the condoms.
Authors: Jochen Grimm; Ramona Wudy; Edvard Ziegeler; Stefan Wirth; Michael Uhl; Maximilian F Reiser; Michael Scherr Journal: Int J Legal Med Date: 2014-02-28 Impact factor: 2.686
Authors: Andreas Schaper; Rainer Hofmann; Philippe Bargain; Herbert Desel; Martin Ebbecke; Claus Langer Journal: Int J Colorectal Dis Date: 2007-05-23 Impact factor: 2.571