Special report: Israeli PM Ariel Sharon in critical condition

   JERUSALEM, Feb. 11 (Xinhuanet) -- A CT stomach scan conducted Saturday morning on Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon indicated that his condition was worsening, said Jerusalem Hadassah hospital,where Sharon was hospitalized.

   The 78-year-old was now undergoing an emergency surgery after test results showed serious damage to his digestive system, and doctors convened to discuss treatment possibilities, Israel Radio reported.

   Sharon successfully underwent a gastrostomy, a process in which a tube is inserted into the stomach for feeding, on Feb. 1.

   "The procedure was carried out under anesthetic and was successful. The prime minister's condition continues to be critical and stable," a hospital statement said. 

   Sharon, who was hospitalized a month ago at Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem's Ein Kerem, is nearly weaned from his respirator.   

    Professor Charles Weissman, chief of anesthesiology who shares treatment of Sharon in the neurosurgery intensive care unit, told media earlier that the change in the means of feeding reduces the risk of infection, just as the tracheostomy performed a few weeks ago minimized infection by replacing the breathing tube down his mouth and trachea with a tube attached to a hole in the front of his neck.

   Asked whether Sharon was not expected to wake from his coma, Weissman said "there is no connection. It could take months before we know if he will regain consciousness."

   However, he did say that parenteral feeding is the choice for patients who are hospitalized for a long term.

   The prime minister's 78th birthday is to be marked this month.   Enditem