Karunanidhi stable after undergoing tracheostomy: Hospital

A release from the hospital on Friday said, “DMK President and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Dr Kalaignar M Karunanidhi, who was readmitted to the Kauvery Hospital with breathing difficulty due to throat and lung infection, has underwent tracheostomy.” 

The procedure is performed for many reasons and is linked to a blocked airway or a need for prolonged respiratory or ventilator support. During a tracheostomy, a tube is inserted into the windpipe to open the restricted airway and enable breathing. 

The release said that his condition was stable adding that he is on antibiotics, being closely monitored by a team of doctors. Late on Thursday, the 93-year-old politician was rushed to the facility in Alwarpet. The earlier bulletin from the hospital said, “Treatment has been initiated to clear his infection.” Karunanidhi was earlier admitted to the facility on December 1 for nutritional and hydration support. 

After receiving treatment, his condition had improved substantially and he was discharged from the hospital after six days of treatment on December 7 after all his vital signs and biochemical parameters had normalised. Hundreds of party cadre rushed to the Kauvery Hospital here as news spread about the critical condition of the 93-year-old former Chief Minister.