Heroin bodypacking

Drug smuggling by internal bodily concealment is a well-recognized international problem, particularly in view of the difficulty of its detection and the potential for large financial gains. This mode of transport can have serious medical complications, including drug intoxication--sometimes fatal--as well as intestinal obstruction by foreign bodies (FBs). We discuss a case of heroin 'bodypacking' (the ingestion of heroin filled condoms) with its resultant complications. The initial medical management and indications for surgery are discussed, and the relevant literature reviewed.