Vivek Oberoi develops complications

Actor Vivek Oberoi, who was operated for a leg fracture at the Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai, developed breathing complications in the last four days as a result of which he was put on oxygen.

But the doctor attending on him on Monday said, "He is fast progressing and there is no cause to worry."

The actor had suffered the fracture while shooting for a film in Kolkata on July 16.

Dr Sanjay Agarwala, clarifying the actor's condition, said he was out of danger, although he had developed a minor complication of fat embolism.

He said, "Consequent to the injury he sustained, fat from the bone marrow got into the blood stream and from there it got filtered in the lungs, thereby causing breathlessness. Hence he needed extra oxygen.

"It was, therefore, decided to keep him under observation in the ICU, during which time appropriate oxygenation by mask continuously ensured saturation levels of his blood."

A post-surgery x-ray of the chest showed changes suggestive of fat embolism. Over a period of four days, the complication evolved and by Monday low doses of oxygen in the form of nasal prongs delivering 40 to 50 per cent oxygen was enough to maintain his oxygen saturation, Dr Agarwala said.

"As a matter of abundant precaution, it was considered prudent to take the opinion of chest physicians and a CT scan was also taken to confirm the diagnosis," the doctor said.

"In the interim, his leg is being mobilised and overall he is making good progress in keeping with the management of his limb and pulmonary condition."

Earlier, Dr Agarwala said Vivek would be put through physiotherapy sessions in a couple of days. His plaster had been taken off and the pain had decreased by a significant level.

The actor had on Sunday tried to walk with the help of crutches, but abandoned the idea because of pain.

"He will attempt to walk on crutches tomorrow," the doctor said.