Wallace Has Surgery for Bloodstream Infection
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Former Gov. George C. Wallace underwent emergency surgery Friday night for a severe bloodstream infection and was in critical condition, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Wallace, 73, had heart failure earlier Friday, was revived by doctors but was in a semi-conscious state before surgery, said his son, state Treasurer George Wallace Jr.
The younger Wallace quoted the doctor as saying the surgery turned up an abdominal hernia but that it was not the source of the massive bloodstream infection, or septic shock. Doctors initially said they were treating him for a possible bowel obstruction.
Family members and longtime friends gathered at Jackson Hospital to be with the former governor.
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