September 7, 2024, 4:30 PM
September 7, 2024, 4:30 PM
Former Uruguayan President José Mujica underwent surgery on Saturday (07.09.2024) at the hospital where he was being treated, where he underwent a gastrostomy for feeding (insertion of a tube).
This was stated in a press conference by his personal physician, Raquel Pannone, who stressed that the procedure was carried out in the morning, its result was “excellent” and Mujica is recovering accompanied by his wife, Lucía Topolansky.
The goal “was to try to achieve oral feeding in the best conditions, with the appropriate preparation. We tried to do it and the result was not entirely satisfactory,” said the doctor, who added that for this reason they decided to go up a new level and perform a gastrostomy for feeding.
“This gastrostomy allows us safe access to food and hydration, with good flow, and allows the esophagus to repair itself naturally while this is going on. That is what we are aiming for: to keep it better nourished, well hydrated, and to give the esophagus time to complete the natural stages of recovery,” Pannone said.
He added that it is not known how long the process will take and that it will depend on its nature and evolution. He also added that when it is over, Mujica will return to a normal diet.
In the meantime, the doctor explained, the former president will be fed with certain preparations or with foods with an appropriate consistency.
“We will continue to test his oral tolerance gradually and as soon as this is fine, he will be able to eat normally again,” Pannone reiterated, adding that Mujica will remain hospitalized for a few more days.
Last week, the former president had already been admitted to the hospital after having difficulty eating due to the radiotherapy treatment he received months ago, following a malignant tumor in his esophagus.
