Former state president FW de Klerk had a second operation on Thursday after developing respiratory problems and is on a ventilator, according to Cape Town’s Panorama Medi-Clinic.
De Klerk underwent surgery at the clinic on Saturday to remove a tumour, which was later found to be cancerous, from his colon.
The hospital said in a statement that his condition deteriorated on Wednesday because of ”respiratory complications” and he was put on a ventilator.
This inflammatory condition was occasionally seen after large invasive surgery, the hospital said.
”Today it was decided to perform a second laparotomy to eliminate the possibility of abdominal complications, which can contribute to lung complications.
”During surgery no abnormalities were detected. Mr De Klerk is still being ventilated and in a stable condition in an intensive-care unit.” — Sapa