CHILE: Pinochet in satisfactory condition, but still seriously ill

Former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet is in a satisfactory condition after undergoing surgery following a heart attack, but is still seriously ill, a hospital doctor said on Sunday (December 3). "General Augusto Pinochet's health is in a stable condition, he is in a satisfactory condition. The angioplasty surgery is also evolving satisfactory, we checked on him earlier this afternoon and he is in good condition," Dr. Juan Ignacio Vergara told reporters outside the military hospital. Vergara also announced that the 91-year-old Pinochet's medical team were not considering carrying out a further operation for the moment because it would be extremely risky. "We can't say that he is totally out of danger, generally the 24-48 hours following surgery are critical --it's important to see how his heart reacts to the operation. We all know the patient has diabetes and kidney problems. He is certainly doing better than he was this morning (answering question from a journalist), without a doubt his condition is stable," said Dr. Vergara. Pinochet, the former Chilean general accused of torture, killings and other abuses during his 17-year dictatorship, suffered a heart attack on Sunday and underwent emergency surgery. Pinochet, who faces numerous charges related to his iron-fisted 1973-90 rule, was rushed to a hospital in the capital Santiago at about 2 am (0500 GMT), family and hospital officials said. He was given the Roman Catholic last rites -- traditionally administered by a priest to the dying -- before surgeons performed angioplasty to unblock clogged arteries. Meanwhile outside the military hospital, Pinochet supporters set vigil by makeshift shrines. Local media said Pinochet underwent a second operation later in the day but a spokesman for the former president said it was simply a post-surgical check and denied he was undergoing a bypass. An angioplasty involves inserting a tube and a balloon into the arteries and then inflating the balloon to ensure the flow of blood to the heart. Pinochet's latest illness revived speculation over how the Chilean government would handle a funeral for the former dictator. Some Chileans say he should be given full state honours while others would regard that as a disgrace. Pinochet has been in frail health for some time.

ITN Source | December 4, 2006

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