Sharon may soon be disconnected from respirator

Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon’s breathing is improving and he may soon be disconnected from a respirator, an Israeli daily newspaper reported today.

Sharon has been unconscious at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Hospital since suffering a devastating stroke on January 4. He has shown little progress after undergoing three brain operations, and outside experts say his failure to regain consciousness bodes poorly for his recovery prospects.

The Yediot Ahronot newspaper quoted unidentified doctors at Hadassah as saying Sharon’s condition has slightly improved and that he may no longer need the respirator.

“We have reached a stage with the prime minister hardly needs it based on the amount of breaths, their depth and volume of oxygen,” the doctor said. “Ten days ago, Sharon was breathing almost entirely by machine.”

Hadassah spokesman Ron Krumer declined comment on the report. Sharon remained in a critical, but stable, condition Friday.