Brother Ravi's surgery update-Tuesday May 20

We are so thankful for your prayers and concern for Ravi Zacharias' surgery and wanted to provide you with a report. The procedure took place Monday morning, and though overall successful, some complications were experienced. When they got in to the site they discovered considerable deterioration of the derma, a membrane that surrounds and protects the spinal fluid. There was also considerable scar tissue from the previous surgery that he had to remove. During the process of surgery a tear developed in the derma, resulting in a leakage of spinal fluid. However, the doctor, a very experienced and highly recommended surgeon, spent an hour doing the necessary repair before beginning to deal with the new herniation, which was real but small, and the stenosis, which was significant. Dr. Zacharias will have to spend 4-5 days on his back in the hospital before he can get up to ensure that the derma is healed. At that time they will determine when he can be discharged and return home. Again, thank you all for your prayers and for your emails that have truly surrounded us with your love. Please especially pray for ongoing healing, as Ravi experienced a long and difficult healing process with his previous back surgery.