BTN News: José Mujica, former president of Uruguay, is steadily recovering after a recent gastrostomy procedure. The 88-year-old statesman, known for his humble lifestyle and strong leadership, underwent surgery earlier this month to address complications related to an esophageal condition. Eight days after being discharged from the hospital, Mujica continues to recuperate at his home, following the careful medical plan set out by his doctors.
Mujica’s personal physician, Dr. Raquel Pannone, provided an update confirming that his recovery is progressing as expected, emphasizing that the former president remains under close observation. The surgery was performed to aid in his nutrition intake, necessary for addressing his long-term battle with esophageal fibrosis—a consequence of cancer treatment.
Mujica’s Health on the Mend: A Step-by-Step Recovery
José Mujica, who served as Uruguay’s president from 2010 to 2015, has been facing health issues due to complications arising from a past cancer treatment. His esophageal fibrosis—scar tissue caused by radiation therapy—impacted his ability to eat and stay hydrated. Following a period of inadequate nutrition and hydration, doctors decided to perform a gastrostomy procedure on September 7, 2024, to assist with feeding.
The procedure involves placing a feeding tube directly into the stomach, bypassing the esophagus, allowing proper nutrition. According to Dr. Pannone, Mujica tolerated the procedure well and is now receiving specially formulated nutrition through this feeding method. This approach aims to allow his esophagus time to heal.
Why Mujica Required Surgery: A Look at His Condition
The core of Mujica’s health issues stems from his esophageal fibrosis, a condition that developed after receiving radiotherapy for a malignant tumor. This fibrosis made it difficult for him to swallow food and liquids normally. In the days leading up to his hospitalization, the former president’s fluid and nutrient intake had diminished significantly, leading doctors to recommend a more direct feeding method.
Initially, the medical team attempted to treat the condition without surgery, hoping that Mujica could regain his ability to eat orally. However, when these efforts did not produce the desired results, they decided that a gastrostomy was the best solution to ensure he could maintain his nutritional needs while his esophagus healed.
Gastrostomy Procedure Explained: Feeding Through the Stomach
A gastrostomy is a medical procedure that involves placing a tube directly into the stomach to deliver food and liquids. This approach is often used when a person cannot swallow due to issues such as a damaged esophagus. For Mujica, the procedure was necessary because his esophageal fibrosis was obstructing his ability to eat.
Dr. Pannone explained that the decision to move forward with the surgery came after attempts to feed Mujica orally were unsuccessful. The gastrostomy allows safe and efficient feeding, ensuring that Mujica remains well-nourished and hydrated while his esophagus undergoes the natural process of healing.
Recovery at Home: A Gradual Return to Normal Life
Since his discharge on September 13, Mujica has been recovering at his home, following a planned course of rest and rehabilitation. Dr. Pannone mentioned that his condition is stable, and his medical team is carefully monitoring his progress. The former president will continue to be fed through the gastrostomy tube until he can tolerate oral feeding again.
In the coming weeks, the medical team will gradually test Mujica’s ability to eat by mouth. Once he can resume normal eating habits without difficulty, the feeding tube will be removed. Dr. Pannone expressed optimism, noting that Mujica has been responding well to treatment and is expected to regain his strength slowly.
Looking Ahead: Mujica’s Path to Recovery
Although the road to recovery may be slow, Mujica’s doctors remain hopeful that he will gradually regain mobility and resume more daily activities as his strength improves. While he continues to rest at home, Mujica is expected to start integrating more movements and activities into his routine in the near future.
For now, the focus remains on his nutritional intake and hydration, ensuring his body has the resources it needs to heal effectively. Mujica’s medical team will continue to monitor his esophageal condition closely and adjust his treatment plan as necessary.
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Conclusion: A Steady Recovery for Uruguay’s Former President
José Mujica’s recovery journey highlights both the resilience of the former Uruguayan president and the critical care he’s receiving from his medical team. His ongoing battle with esophageal fibrosis, compounded by complications from past cancer treatment, required a medical intervention to ensure his nutritional needs are met. The gastrostomy has provided a temporary solution, allowing his body to heal while ensuring proper nutrition. As the weeks progress, Mujica is expected to continue recovering at home, with his doctors hopeful that he will soon resume more regular activities.
