Doctors trying to avoid risky leg amputation for Zsa Zsa Gabor, publicist says

Doctors treating Hollywood legend Zsa Zsa Gabor gave the actress a massive dose of antibiotics Monday in an effort to avoid a risky amputation of her infected lower leg, her publicist said.

Gabor, 93, went through the first phase of the two-day treatment, but its effectiveness on a serious infection that threatens to become gangrenous wouldn't be known until the second dose was administered, said John Blanchette.

The star of stage, screen and celebrity scandals underwent hip replacement surgery in July after falling at her Beverly Hills home and has suffered complications from infection since then. She was admitted to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center on Sunday for surgery to amputate part of the leg after infection spread deep into the tissue down to the bone, Blanchette said.

"The doctors decided to do a massive treatment of powerful antibiotics before going ahead with the more serious procedure," he said of the planned amputation. "That's a very dangerous operation for a person her age. They say it's 50-50" whether the patient would survive," Blanchette said.

If the antibiotics fail to cure the infection, amputation will be performed to prevent even more dire threats to her health, Blanchette said. He described Gabor as weak but alert.

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-- Carol J. Williams

Photo: Zsa Zsa Gabor in a 1990 photo. Credit: Los Angeles Times

 

Comments

[Alan Smith]

The Fresno Bee, Thurs March 9, 1961

Fan's Letter May Have Saved Liz Taylor's Life

A letter sent by a New Jersey fan of Elizabeth Taylor to a London doctor may have helped save the film star's life.

The story of the series of events which led to the treatment of Miss Taylor with a virus based drug called SBL was told by Dr. George G. Salmon of Short Hills, a pediatrician.

SBL, which literally' "eats" staphylococcus germs, was first given Miss Taylor Tuesday night, either by injection or nasally with aerosol.

In other words, "phage therapy" saved Liz Taylor from a drug resistant infection. It still works. Where are you UCLA Med Center?

[James C. L'Angelle]

Anybody who has had a relative in a similar situation already knows the outcome. There is a 100 percent probability of the operation needing to be performed. The odds of survival for an elderly person are very low; convalescence is tedious and overwhelming.
It may well be the doctors have realized that Miss Gabor (as she was always known for years by the media) is too far gone and it would be better to let her down easily; she would not have asked for last rights otherwise.
In other words, even with the operation, they will not be able to save her.

[Ken]

Poor Zsa Zsa
Hope she keeps the leg.

Shes a survivor for sure

[josefo]

Hope she comes out of this with both her legs...
You're in my prayers Zsa Zsa.

[Just]

Prayers that no amputation is needed...

[Dakota]

Can you please cover actual local news instead of stories like this, LA Times? Thanks.

[Amy]

Poor Zsa Zsa. I wish her well.

[KatFox]

Seems a pretty risky operation at her age. She may not be able to withstand the anestesia.
Sorry to hear about the infection in her leg and I wish her the best. God Bless you Zsa Zsa and be at peace with the Lord.

[Thomas]

My Darling,

You are loved! So many love you!

Tom

[Kim]

The Hospital gave her the infection , Even the rich can't avoid careless Nurses who spread one infection to another to think all you have to do is wash your hands.

[mike in san diego]

I am keeping good thoughts for Zsa Zsa... luv, from Mike!