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Savisaar's leg had to be amputated

BC, Tallinn, 24.03.2015.Print version

Doctors of the Tartu University Hospital revealed on Monday at a press conference that the state of Estonian Centre Party chairman, Tallinn Mayor Edgar Savisaar is highly critical; his leg had to be amputated on Monday because of streptococcus infection and sepsis, LETA/Public Broadcasting reports.

 

Tartu University Hospital's Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Clinic's director Joel Starkopf said that Savisaar arrived at the hospital on Wednesday. Initial symptoms pointed to pneumonia. It turned out, however, that Savisaar had a streptococcus infection caused by a minor would leg wound, less than a centimetre long, on his leg. The source of the bacteria is not known. He developed sepsis, and the need for fast operation. On Thursday, one operation was performed that was successful, but soon the situation worsened again, Postimees Online writes.

 

Tartu University Hospital's visiting professor of emergency surgery Peep Talving explained that the cause of the infection was streptococcus or the so-called flesh-eating bacteria. Savisaar had toxic shock syndrome, which is why a number of his organs are seriously damaged, including the kidneys. Doctors forecast that Savisaar will need surgery again tomorrow, but if the situation worsens, possibly earlier. Savisaar's condition remains critical.

 

Dr Starkopf stated that the patient is not in an artificial coma, as reported by the press, but under anaesthetic that helps to better tolerate the treatment-related medical equipment. The family gave consent to reveal his medical history.





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