Former Czech president Vaclav Havel remained in serious condition in intensive care Monday, a week after being hospitalised with severe respiratory problems, one of his doctors said.
Havel's condition is stabilised but "we cannot rule out complications, they are quite likely with a chronically ill patient like this," said doctor Karel Cvachovec, adding Havel was still breathing with the help of a respirator.
The 72-year-old former head of state underwent surgery for pulmonary inflammation on Monday after having problems breathing and swallowing.
The inflammation has receded but Havel's chronic condition is not yet sufficiently stable and the former president will have to stay in hospital for at least one more week, a hospital official said Sunday.
The playwright and hero of the 1989 Velvet Revolution, which toppled communist rule in Czechoslovakia, has grappled with health problems partly stemming from five years he spent in communist jails for dissident activity.
Part of Havel's right lung was removed in December 1996 after cancer was detected. The former chain smoker has also suffered repeated lung and heart problems.
Havel was elected Czechoslovakia's president in 1989 and then became president of the Czech Republic formed in 1993, standing down 10 years later.
Source: AFP Global Edition
