Sharon brain scan shows bleeding absorbed

JERUSALEM - A computerised scan of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's brain today showed that traces of bleeding in his brain had been absorbed and there was no need for further draining of fluid, the hospital said.

"The Prime Minister's heart rate is regular and body temperature is normal," said a statement from Hadassah hospital, where Sharon is in what doctors described as critical but stable condition after suffering a massive stroke last week.

The hospital added that doctors placed a permanent intravenous drip in his arm. It described the surgical procedure as a success.

It said Sharon was being taken back to the neurological intensive care unit after the completion of the procedure.

Sharon, 77, suffered a brain haemorrhage on January 4. With his hospital stay predicted to last months, he is given little chance of returning to politics.

- REUTERS