Israeli hospital officials say comatose former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has undergone surgery to insert a new feeding tube.
Officials at the Tel Hashomer hospital in central Israel said today that the hour-long procedure was preplanned and there was no change in Sharon's condition.
Sharon, who cannot swallow, receives fluids through the tube. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity since Sharon is now a private citizen and only his family, which rarely gives updates on his condition, is authorised to comment.
Sharon was at the height of his political power in early 2006 when a devastating stroke incapacitated him. The 85 years old has been in a coma ever since, connected to a respirator.
His family has said that he sometimes opens his eyes and moves his fingers.
