Necessity of vigilant supervision of body stuffers: a case report

Abstract

Objective: In Lithuania body packaging and body stuffing is not common, however in recent years the number of “body packers” in other countries is increasing [1]. The aim of this case report is to emphasize the necessity of vigilant supervision of body stuffers despite other available diagnostic tools. Case report: A 42-year-old woman was delivered to the Emergency Department (ED) of the Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences “Kauno klinikos” by police officers. During questioning at the patient’s home the police officers noticed a little red packet in her hand, but after a few moments it disappeared. Illicit drug concealment was suspected and for further observation and investigations the patient was admitted to the ED. Physical examination revealed no pathological signs. During diagnostic gastroscopy a red packet filled with an unknown substance was seen in stomach. It was not taken out due to risk of rupture and laxatives were chosen for therapy. Diagnostic gastrointestinal passage and then a computerised tomography (CT) scan were performed with the aim of identifying the location of the drug package, but these investigations were not informative. After 24 hours it was decided to perform a fibrocolonoscopy and the anesthesiologist found the package in the patient’s mouth. How the package reached the patient’s mouth remains unknown, there were two possibilities: regurgitation from the stomach or the patient retrieved it from faeces. The main reason for this situation was negligent supervision of the patient; she was observed by two policemen at all times, but both police officers were sitting behind her most of time and even left the patient alone for several short periods. Conclusion: People who perform illegal actions employ all possible methods to avoid the law [2]. This case report emphasizes the need for good supervision which does not depend entirely on medical staff.[...].