Key Takeaways
- Former Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner underwent emergency surgery for acute appendicitis with localized peritonitis at the Sanatorio Otamendi over the weekend.
- Medical reports confirmed that CFK subsequently developed a postoperative ileus, a complication involving the temporary paralysis of intestinal function, requiring an extended hospital stay for resolution and vigilant monitoring.
- CFK, who is currently under house arrest, remains on intravenous antibiotics and drainage, while her diagnosis prompted a gathering of supportive Kircherist militants outside the hospital.
Former Argentine President and Vice President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner remains hospitalized at the Sanatorio Otamendi in Buenos Aires after developing a complication following emergency surgery for acute appendicitis. The latest medical bulletin, released mid-week, confirmed that CFK is suffering from a postoperative ileus, a temporary paralysis of intestinal function, necessitating an indefinite extension of her medical stay over the holidays.
CFK was admitted to the center after experiencing acute abdominal pain at her residence in Constitución, where she is currently serving house arrest related to the long-running Vialidad case. Following diagnosis of acute appendicitis accompanied by localized peritonitis, she underwent surgery successfully.
However, subsequent monitoring revealed symptoms consistent with intestinal complications. Dr. Marina Lanfraconi, medical director of the facility, confirmed the situation in a recent report: “The patient presents symptoms compatible with postoperative ileus. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen was performed, confirming the diagnosis. Corresponding support measures have been implemented pending its resolution.”
Postoperative ileus is a common complication following abdominal surgery, characterized by the temporary stoppage of peristalsis (intestinal movement). Medical experts emphasize that while the condition is usually transient, it requires careful clinical management.
Dr. Lisandro Pereyra, a gastroenterologist, explained that the paralysis of the bowel is often caused by the manipulation of the intestine during surgery, the presence of inflammation or infection (such as the initial peritonitis), or even the pharmacological effects of strong pain medication administered post-op. “It is not an obstruction, but rather the movement is paralyzed, the intestine is put on stop,” Pereyra noted.
Dr. Oscar Laudanno, head of Gastroenterology at the Alfredo Lanari Medical Research Institute, stressed that an ileus appearing two or three days after surgery “indicates that something is not within what should be expected and requires action,” justifying the immediate CT scan and antibiotic intervention.
The medical report specifies that CFK remains under “intravenous antibiotic treatment and peritoneal drainage” and is currently afebrile. Her family, including her son Máximo Kirchner, was confirmed to have visited her in the private room.
The diagnosis of the high-profile political figure immediately drew public attention. Kircherist militants gathered outside the hospital on Azcuénaga Street, carrying banners and expressing solidarity for the former leader, opting to shift their presence from a previously scheduled political demonstration location.
This marks one of several significant medical interventions CFK has faced during her public life. She previously had a hysterectomy in 2021, also at the Otamendi. During her tenure as president, she underwent surgery in 2012 to remove a thyroid tumor and, in 2013, a procedure to address a chronic subdural hematoma on her head. Medical staff maintain that her current hospitalization will continue until the ileus fully resolves.
Read More
https://www.lanacion.com.ar/politica/que-es-un-ileo-posoperatorio-el-cuadro-que-presento-cristina-kirchner-nid25122025/
https://www.clarin.com/politica/nuevo-parte-medico-cristina-kirchner-ileo-posoperatorio-cuadro-presento-ex-vicepresidenta_0_SOE8LV0MEG.html