Erap doing well, seeks longer hospital stay

Ousted President Joseph Estrada asked the Sandiganbayan yesterday to be allowed to stay longer at the hospital after undergoing a successful operation to remove a cyst on his left eyelid.

Dr. Lorenzo Jocson, Estrada’s personal physician and cousin, said he was awaiting word from the anti-graft court’s Special Division on Estrada’s request to be allowed to stay at least three more days at the San Juan Medical Center (SJMC).

"Gusto naming siyang bantayan dito para kung ano man ang mangyari ay nadito kami (We want to watch over him so if anything happens, we would be here) for any complications," he said.

So far, wala naman kaming nakikitang (We have not seen) bleeding or any complications. We are very happy."

Estrada will require post-surgery recuperation and needs to be observed by doctors, he added.

Former senator Rene Saguisag, Estrada’s lead counsel, filed an urgent manifestation yesterday asking the special division to allow his client to stay at the SJMC at least over the weekend.

Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa Ignacio said the prosecution had no objections to Estrada’s extended hospital stay.

"We would not object," he said. "If three days, it’s okay. His doctors know best. We would not want to send him back to Tanay after the operation kasi dun nga niya nakuha yung infection (because he got the infection there).

"Sana nga lang, tutal nasa hospital na rin siya (We hope, since he is in the hospital), his doctors should give him an executive check-up para malaman kung may ibang condition pa siya (to determine if he has another condition) that needs medical attention."

Jocson, who is the SJMC director, said the operation was done to remove excess skin from Estrada’s eyelids, and that a cyst was also taken out during the surgical procedure.

"The operation was successful," he said. "The former President was sedated and after the operation, he said he was feeling well and glad that it was all over."

Jocson also said Estrada, who was in high spirits yesterday morning, had asked that a thanksgiving Mass be celebrated with his family at the hospital.

"Right after the operation, we expected na mamaga ang both eyes (that both eyes would be swollen)," he said.

"But pantay na. Parehong inoperahan, pantay na pantay na ngayon. Sa left lower eyelid niya ay may cyst. (They’re all right now. Both eyes were operated on, they’re all right now. A cyst was taken out of the left lower eyelid)."

Jocson said he had advised Estrada not to entertain visitors at the moment to prevent any post-surgery infection.

"We want to keep the area as sterile as possible," he said.

San Juan Mayor Jose Victor Ejercito, Estrada’s son by former actress Guia Gomez, told reporters yesterday their family had approved of the surgery.

"The family decided to go ahead with the procedure even if there was no court order so he would not go blind," he said.

"I hope the Sandiganbayan will show compassion," he said.

"Pakita man lamang nila na meron silang konting sensiridad (Show that they have a little sincerity). We are hoping that they would be more humane this time. Wag sana nilang masamain ang desisyon ng pamilya (They should not think badly about the family’s decision). We are taking responsibility for it."

Last Tuesday afternoon, Estrada was flown by a private helicopter from his Tanay resthouse to Ortigas Center in Quezon City, and from there he motored to the SJMC.

He was immediately admitted and treated at the hospital for preseptal cellulitis, a common bacterial infection of the eye.

Dr. Eduardo Sarabia, SJMC ophthalmology department head, said Estrada’s condition could have been caused by an insect bite.

Doctors advised Estrada to undergo surgery to correct his dermatochalasis, or the sagging of the eyelids caused by excess skin — a condition common to senior citizens.

Estrada’s eyelid operation was performed by Dr. Juan Sanchez, a cosmetic surgeon at the SJMC, at 10 p.m. last Wednesday.

The procedure was done by 12:20 a.m.