Israeli doctors have concluded a new brain scan on Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who remains in critical but stable condition after emergency surgery Friday to stop bleeding in his brain.
Doctors at Jerusalem's Hadassah hospital said the test early today-Saturday had been planned in advance and did not indicate any worsening of the 77-year old Mr. Sharon's condition.
Medical officials said an official determination on Mr. Sharon's condition will likely take place on Sunday, when doctors plan to bring the prime minister out of a medically-induced coma. He had suffered a massive stroke on Wednesday.
Medical experts say Mr. Sharon may have suffered extensive and irreversible brain damage, making a return to his former duties as prime minister impossible.
The prime minister's illness comes as his new centrist Kadima party prepares for the March 28th elections. Opinion polls in Israel indicate support for the party is still strong.
Information for this report is provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.