Sharon rushed into surgery

[Scurrilous]

Prime minister rushed into surgery due to CT scan he underwent to determine whether cranial bleeding has stopped; Hadassah Ein Kerem director tells reporters no change overnight in prime minister's condition, still listed as critical but stable; says pressure inside cranium is inside 'normal' range and does not have to be drained

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3196098,00.html

<snip>

"Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was rushed into surgery late Friday morning following a CT scan he underwent to determine whether cranial bleeding had stopped.

Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital director Prof. Shlomo Mor Yosef told reporters Sharon had been taken into surgery after the scan revealed new cranial hemorrhaging and a fluctuation in blood pressure.

"The prime minister underwent a CT scan according to plan. During the examination the prime minister suffered a rise in cranial pressure and blood pressure," Mor Yosef said, adding that cerebral bleeding was also discovered.

As a result, it was decided to transfer the prime minister into surgery, he said. Doctors are currently trying to drain the bleeding and lower his blood pressure.

The medical significance of a rise in intracranial pressure can cause damage to brain tissue, due to pressure placed on the nerve cells. This may result in irreparable damage to areas including the brainstem, responsible for respiratory and cardiac function."

[Wordie]

1. Haaretz: PM said to be stable; condition serious; prognosis poor.

CNN: doctor just described condition as "critical."

[Scurrilous]

2. Sharon Undergoes Fresh Brain Scan, Remains in Critical Condition

<snip>

"Israeli doctors have concluded a new brain scan on Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who remains in critical but stable condition after emergency surgery Friday to stop bleeding in his brain.

Doctors at Jerusalem's Hadassah hospital said the test early Saturday, had been planned in advance and did not indicate any worsening of the 77-year-old Mr. Sharon's condition.

Medical officials said an official determination on Mr. Sharon's condition will likely take place on Sunday, when doctors plan to bring the prime minister out of a medically induced coma. He had suffered a massive stroke on Wednesday."

http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-01-07-voa14.cfm

[Wordie]

3. Results of brain scan to be released in about an hour. eom

[Scurrilous]

4. PM's CT scan shows slight improvement

Cautious optimism: Hadassah Hospital director briefs reporters, says latest CT scan shows slight improvement but adds Prime Minister Sharon's condition still life-threatening; extent of damage to PM's brain unknown

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3196098,00.html

<snip>

"Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's condition has improved significantly, senior sources close to the PM said Saturday afternoon, adding the danger to Sharon's life has lessened.

In closed-door talks, the sources said "cautious optimism prevails at this time." However, at this time there is no official confirmation of the optimistic reports.

Earlier Saturday, Sharon underwent another CT scan to determine the level of intracranial pressure on his brain, Jerusalem’s Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital said. Although the test's results have not yet been released, they are estimated to be in order. Meanwhile, doctors have not decided whether to lower the dosage of the sedative drugs Sharon receives in order to bring him out of the induced coma Sunday, or wait for Monday before they attempt to rouse him."