Four days after emergency laparoscopic surgery for acute appendicitis with localized peritonitis on December 20, former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, 72, remains hospitalized at Buenos Aires' Sanatorio Otamendi under house arrest for the Vialidad case. A December 24 medical bulletin reported favorable progress amid post-operative ileus, as militants held an ecumenical prayer vigil outside, marking her first Christmas interned.
Following her transfer from her Constitución home on Saturday, December 20, and successful surgery that evening, Kirchner has been monitored for complications. The latest bulletin, issued by sanatorium director Marisa Lanffanconi, confirmed post-operative ileus (temporary intestinal paralysis) via CT scan. She is on intravenous antibiotics and peritoneal drainage, with no fever, and evolution within normal parameters. She will remain admitted over Christmas.
Around 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve, self-convened supporters, families, and neighbors assembled outside the sanatorium, organized via the 'Argentina con Cristina' social media account. Led by priest Francisco 'Paco' Olveira, the group conducted an ecumenical prayer, erected a Christmas tree adorned with letters and messages, and chanted 'Nunca caminarás sola' under the slogan 'Navidad junto a Cristina', waving flags in solidarity.
The developments fueled online political divides. Businessman Marcos Galperin highlighted contrasts between public hospitals and her private care. Nicolás Márquez, biographer of President Javier Milei, called her 'la presidiaria' and lamented the surgery's success. Milei and former legislator Ramiro Marra questioned her use of private treatment given her past advocacy for public health, prompting backlash from supporters against perceived personal attacks.
