Sharon to remain sedated for 24 hours

Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon will remain sedated for at least 24 more hours, and continues to be in a stable but serious condition, the director of Hadassah Hospital said today.

Sharon suffered a massive stroke yesterday and underwent seven hours of surgery to stop widespread bleeding in his brain.

After the surgery, he was moved to the intensive care unit, where he is in “deep sedation”, said hospital director Shlomo Mor-Yosef.

“The situation is still serious, but it’s stable,” Mor-Yosef said. “All the parameters … are as expected following this type of surgery. Part of the treatment of the prime minister, in order to preserve low pressure in the skull, is sedation and respiration for at least the next 24 hours.”

Mor-Yosef also addressed rumours sweeping the country that Sharon’s condition was far worse than described by his doctors.

“I came here first to update you and second to stop the rumours that are flooding the country,” he said.

”I pledge that every change in the prime minister’s condition will be announced in a statement by Hadassah.”