Mahajan still in coma on day four, surgery ruled out

Mumbai, Apr 25: Continuing to remain in coma on the fourth day today, following grievous gunshot injuries, senior BJP leader Pramod Mahajan's condition showed no improvement, as the Hinduja hospital admitted he has so far not responded to medical treatment, and ruled out a third surgery for now.

Hospital spokesman Dr Anupam Verma said, ''Mr Mahajan's condition remains the same as in the last 32 hours. He is still on the ventilator and life-support system as also under continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) (read dialysis).'' He said, ''We are not contempating any action (read surgery) for now as the body has yet to respond to the present medical treatment.'' Asked as to how long Mr Mahajan will be given inotropic drugs that may affect his lungs, Dr Verma said, ''for the time being it is the best possible management.'' Mr Mahajan underwent the first surgery immediately after he was shot at point blank range, allegedly by his brother Pravin on Saturday. He underwent the second surgery on Sunday evening when his vital parameters became unstable as fluid started accumulating in his kidneys and abdomen.

All three bullets remain embedded in his body as both Indian and British doctors do not want to risk a third surgery at this stage.

The threat of multiple organs' failure was also a grave concern as the vital parametres remained unstable, the hospital sources said.

56-year-old Mahajan has been battling for life since Saturday when bullets shattered his liver, pancreas and intestines.

UNI