No change in condition of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon
(AP)
Updated: 2006-01-19 09:30

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's condition remained unchanged Wednesday, and he continues to be in "critical but stable" condition, Hadassah hospital spokeswoman Yael Bossem-Levi said.

Sharon suffered a massive stroke on January 4 and remains in a coma.

Earlier, the hospital said Sharon underwent successful surgery to replace his breathing tube because of what was termed a "technical problem."

The 77-year-old Israeli leader, who has been on a respirator, underwent a tracheotomy Sunday. He has been taken off anesthetics.

Outside experts have said his failure to regain consciousness in recent days bodes poorly for his recovery.