Ballesteros has second operation

Eurosport - Fri, 17 Oct 17:07:00 2008

The condition of Seve Ballesteros has worsened with the Spanish golf legend undergoing fresh surgery to ease a build-up of fluid in the brain.

Severiano Ballesteros - 0

The 51-year-old, who collected 87 titles before knee and back problems forced him to retire last year, underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove a brain tumour.

"Forty-eight hours after his operation, the patient Severiano Ballesteros suffered a loss of consciousness because of a cerebral oedema and had to undergo a decompressive craniectomy," La Paz Hospital said in a statement.

"His situation is stable and is under control."

A decompressive craniectomy is a medical procedure aimed at relieving critically increased intracranial pressure.

Charity Brain Tumour UK said a craniectomy to relieve pressure on the brain was an emergency procedure only carried out in one percent of cases following the removal of a tumour.

It added the swelling could be caused by a wide range of problems, including bleeding, irritation of the brain and incomplete removal of the tumour.

A spokeswoman for the hospital said doctors would take until at least Saturday to analyse the sample and determine if five-time major winner Ballesteros was suffering from a malignant or benign tumour.

"They have to do tests to confirm the type of tumour," she said. "They have an idea but they do not want to say anything until it is confirmed from tests."

Ballesteros was taken to La Paz Hospital on October 6 after he collapsed and briefly lost consciousness at Madrid airport.

He announced on Sunday he had been diagnosed with a brain tumour and would undergo a biopsy before doctors decide on a course of treatment.

Ballesteros won the Open in 1979, 1984 and 1988 and became the first European to win the Augusta Masters in 1980, a title he repeated in 1983.

He was an influential figure in the Ryder Cup, winning 20 points from 37 matches and captaining Europe to victory at Valderrama in 1997.

Known for his flamboyant and imaginative style of play, he won one of his three Open titles by playing a shot from a temporary parking lot.

Reuters / AFP

Comment 149 - 168 of 168

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  1. You are a total rock,be strong and good luck.D.W.

    From DAVID W, on Tue 21 Oct 10:36AM

  2. Seve - 16 of us played at Royal Lytham St Annes GC on Monday home of your 2 legendary Open wins and massive favourite there. The historic clubhouse is a tribute to your genius.

    We raised our glasses in toast to you as the Lytham legend and prayed for your recovery.

    God bless SENOR SEVERIANO BALLESTEROS

    From dezfairfax, on Sat 18 Oct 6:48PM

  3. I,whatched you play in my younger days, you are a true gent and an inspiration to us all. I,ll Keep you in my prayers, Godbless to you and your family p.don

    From PETER W, on Fri 17 Oct 7:19PM

  4. I,whatched you play in my younger days, you are a true gent and an inspiration to us all. I,ll Keepyou in my prayers, Godbless to you and your family

    From PETER W, on Fri 17 Oct 7:15PM

  5. If we all think positively and prey for Seve he will pull through. It's very sad that someone such as this Jimmy thing can make contact with anyone, he obviously has a brain like a peanut.
    God bless you Seve

    From LINDSAY S, on Fri 17 Oct 12:13PM

  6. COMMENT 163 AND YOUR REPEAT. I THINK YOU NEED TO GET A LIFE. THAT IS SAD WHAT YOU SAID.GOD BLESS YOU SEVE.

    From THE HOOPS, on Fri 17 Oct 10:26AM

  7. I think he's going to die. R.I.P.

    From Asdfaf A, on Fri 17 Oct 9:52AM

  8. I was there when you played the car park shot Seve, you pulled that one off mate, you can do the same with this. Good luck, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    From Ems, on Fri 17 Oct 9:42AM

  9. The thing that was Christened James,does not even deserve to be called a man,as with comments like that.You probably have never been one,you SICKO
    Lets hope someone(if there is any one you know)doesnt get sick,then see how you would cope.PROBABLY WOULDNT BE ABLE TO......You SICK F--K

    From harkinsinturkey, on Fri 17 Oct 9:32AM

  10. It was because of Seve I started playing golf, Wish you luck mate,

    From markweston2001, on Fri 17 Oct 9:18AM

  11. In the world of elite sport the are far to few inspirational charachacters. Seve is one of the best. My best wishes for a successful outcome.

    From thehampshire.hog@..., on Fri 17 Oct 9:12AM

  12. Get well soon Seve, you are one of the best. As for Jimmy, he must be a very sad person and needs to see a physciatrist. Florence

    From Florence, on Fri 17 Oct 9:02AM

  13. I have just reported the comment made by Jimmy, and good luck Seve

    From r_j_wood_uk, on Fri 17 Oct 8:46AM

  14. People need to report the sicko Jimmy. I did but his pathetic comment is still on this site.
    Report it NOW and make sure wierdos like him can't do this sort of thing again!

    From Mick N, on Fri 17 Oct 7:45AM

  15. (jimmy)total PR**K... Seve is a toal gent and obviously more of a man than you will or would ever be.Good luck Seve and hope you get well soon and my prayers are with you and your family...ONES OF THE GREATS TO THE SPORT OF GOLF. Gilly (Paul)

    From Paul, on Fri 17 Oct 1:25AM

  16. JIMMY, YOU ARE THE BREAST THAT DESERVES CANCER. GROW UP YOU TIT :-(

    From skynersltd@..., on Fri 17 Oct 12:50AM

  17. seve, a gentlement amongst men. get well soon, in our thoughts.

    From skynersltd@..., on Fri 17 Oct 12:41AM

  18. get well soon seve. top bloke and a true idol. you are in my prayers.

    From robbo, on Fri 17 Oct 12:18AM

  19. Get well steve, our thoughts are with you and your family at this time,Keep fighting cause we know you will win this battle.The Angels are watching over you and it's not your time to cross over. God Bless you.

    From julie h, on Thu 16 Oct 11:31PM

  20. Talk about role models, well Seve you are top of that leader board.
    I thought golf was quite boring until I saw you win the Open - and have been a fan ever since. God willing you will win this battle.
    GOD BLESS - SteveM

    From STEVEN, on Thu 16 Oct 11:07PM
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