Ariel Sharon to have surgery to restore skull Tuesday

Israel Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is expected to undergo a surgery on Tuesday to close a hole which doctors made in his head in previous operations, the hospital treating him said in a statement on Monday.

Doctors will restore part of Sharon's skull, which was removed in previous operations after he suffered a massive stroke in January, and the operation is to be conducted on Tuesday afternoon, said the statement said

Sharon, still comatose, was examined by experts on treatment of neurological ailments late last week prior to a decision to move him to a long-term care facility.

Israeli TV Channel Two reported last week that Sharon would be moved to a care facility following the surgery, the eighth since he was hospitalized.

The TV report said doctors prefer to treat Sharon in the long- term care section of Tel Hashomer Hospital next to Tel Aviv, but his sons might prefer to move him to his home, a ranch in southern Israel.

Heads of neurology departments from two Tel Aviv hospitals were brought in last week to consult with doctors handling Sharon's case about future treatment.

Source: Xinhua