An unusual foreign body in the stomach: a package of heroin. Succesfull endoscopic treatment of a

Abstract

Drug addiction is an important medical and social problem. "Body packing" is frequently used for concealed transportation of illegal drugs. The drug is packed in small plastic packages and swallowed or placed into body cavities, such as the rectum or the vagina. Another aspect is "body stuffing," in which the drug package is usually hastily swallowed in order to avoid arrest. Presently described is case of a body stuffer who ingested a package of heroin and was successfully treated with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a safe alternative therapeutic option in body stuffers in selected cases.