FW to have tracheotomy

2006-06-13 17:06

Donwald Pressly

Cape Town - Hospitalised former president FW de Klerk is to undergo a tracheotomy later on Tuesday, says his spokesperson, Dave Steward.

This would provide relief when De Klerk regained consciousness, Steward said, noting that the ventilator tube which was assisting his breathing was at present fed through his mouth.

Noting that he had never been taken off the ventilator, Steward said that De Klerk had breathed on his own on Monday, but was again dependent on the ventilator after an infection developed in his lungs.

Steward said, however, that De Klerk's condition was "stable".

"Later this afternoon he will be having a tracheotomy so as to introduce the (ventilator) pipe directly into his throat ... At the moment it is going through his mouth which is very uncomfortable.

"This is a normal procedure," said Steward, who noted he was still in intensive care.

The tracheotomy, Steward explained, involved creating a small hole in De Klerk's throat.

"When he regains consciousness he will be much more comfortable."

De Klerk went to hospital on June 3 after feeling discomfort.

He underwent a colonoscopy which revealed a tumour.

He underwent a second operation after he developed respiratory problems.

Steward said his lung infection was still being treated with antibiotics.

- I-Net Bridge (News24)