Ariel Sharon undergoes minor procedure to remove fluid from his stomach

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon underwent a minor procedure Wednesday to have fluid removed from his stomach after a CT scan uncovered the problem, Hadassah Hospital said in a statement.

Photo: Ariel Sharon undergoes minor procedure to remove fluid from his stomach

The prime minister has been hospitalized since Jan. 4 when he suffered a massive stroke that left him in a coma. Sharon remained in stable but serious condition Wednesday, the hospital said, reports AP.

According to Reuters, Jerusalem's Hadassah hospital said in a statement that the procedure was ordered after a routine CT scan found "a small accumulation of fluid" around his stomach.

The prime minister had part of his intestine surgically removed on Feb. 12 following digestive complications.

Medical experts hold little hope for the 77-year-old Sharon's recovery from a massive brain haemorrhage. Interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has assumed Sharon's powers and is leading the ruling Kadima Party into the March 28 general elections in Israel.

O.Ch.