Arroyo’s second operation fails; allies request prayers for her recovery

Thursday, 11 August 2011 10:57 Myra Cabujat

Former president and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal -Arroyo’s second operation on Wednesday failed due to an infection “that prevented the replacement of implants in her spine,” the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.

“It is unfortunate that this happened. We did everything,” said Arroyo’s chief physician Juliet Gopez-Cervantes in a briefing Wednesday night.

Cervantes told the media that “the infection had caused fluid to collect in Arroyo’s cervical spine and dislodged the titanium plates that surgeons had installed 12 days ago.”

The infection must be treated first before doing the third surgery, wherein a new set of implants will be installed in the former president’s spine, Cervantes added.

Arroyo’s vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature) were still normal, though the former president will still use a neck brace, said Cervantes.

“The chance of recovery, as long as we address the problem, is still high. The problem was caught at an early stage but we have a good fighting chance… I think we have to move forward. We have no way but to fight back,” she said, adding that Arroyo should stay in the hospital for a month for the treatment of the infection.

Cervantes said they will address the infection with the use of strong antibiotics.

Arroyo was transferred from the recovery room to the coronary care unit of St . Luke ’s Medical Center in Taguig, GMA News reported.

Cervantes said Arroyo was not yet allowed to receive visitors.

Seeking prayers

Arroyo’s allies are seeking prayers from Filipinos for the former president’s fast recovery.

According to Rodil Vega’s reports on radio dzBB Thursday, Atty. Raul Lambino and Candaba, Pampanga Mayor Jerry Pelayo said “Mrs. Arroyo needs prayers especially at this time.”

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima also said on Wednesday that “she was considering temporarily removing former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from the watch list order (WLO) of the Bureau of Immigration because of her medical condition,” the Inquirer reported.

De Lima, however, said Arroyo’s stay in the hospital is only temporary, so she’s “not inclined to it.”

She added, should Arroyo need to seek medication abroad as advised by her physicians, she would consult government doctors.

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