LAS VEGAS -- Doctors surgically removed a portion of illusionist Roy Horn's skull after the accident with white tiger Montecore during a performance on the Las Vegas Strip.

Las Vegas neurosurgeon Lonnie Hammargren said about one-fourth of the right side of the Siegfried & Roy star's skull was removed to relieve cranial pressure in the crucial hours after the Oct. 3 accident. He said Horn suffered a "pretty big stroke" but that his paralysis might only be temporary.

Horn remained in critical condition Thursday at University Medical Center in Las Vegas. Hammargren said it was unclear when Horn would undergo surgery to return the skull piece.

Hammargren, a former Nevada lieutenant governor, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he was commenting about Horn's treatment to correct misinformation about the procedure.

Hammargren didn't operate on Horn, but said he talked with Horn's surgeon, Dr. Derek Duke, about Horn's treatment.

Hammargren denied published reports that Horn, 59, underwent a radical procedure called a hemicraniectomy, involving surgical removal of half the skull.

He said Horn's surgeons instead performed a decompressive craniectomy, a more common procedure involving removal of about one-quarter of the skull.

"Dr. Duke did exactly the operation he should have," Hammargren said Wednesday. "Otherwise, Roy would be dead."

Hammargren said surgeons can remove a portion of the skull to give the brain room to expand following brain surgery, trauma, stroke or other medical problems causing the brain to swell.

The removed portion of the skull can then be surgically placed in the abdomen or frozen until it can be replaced, Hammargren said. He said he was told Horn's skull had been implanted in a pouch in Horn's abdomen.

Hammargren confirmed that Horn suffered a stroke and was paralyzed on the left side after the tiger attacked his neck.

"He had a pretty big stroke," the neurosurgeon said. "We just don't know yet. Fortunately, the stroke didn't hit on the side where he talks, thinks and remembers. He can still comprehend things and do things."

The 7-year-old male tiger that attacked Horn was released Tuesday from quarantine after 10 days of isolation. Clark County officials said they determined it did not have rabies.

MGM Mirage officials said the animal, named Montecore, will continue to live at the Secret Garden, an animal habitat at The Mirage hotel-casino.

All of us in the MGM MIRAGE family are touched by your expression of good wishes for Roy Horn. We will continue to share the many wonderful sentiments with Siegfried, Roy and their family and friends. The outpouring of love has been overwhelming, so it won't be possible to respond to everyone individually, but please know your thoughts are appreciated.

The injuries Roy Horn sustained during the Siegfried & Roy performance at The Mirage on Friday, October 3, 2003, were extremely severe, and while his condition remains serious, we are cautiously optimistic about his prognosis and recovery. It will, however, be some time before the full extent of his injuries is determined.

Regretfully, future performances of Siegfried & Roy have been cancelled indefinitely.

Cards and letters may be sent to Roy Horn, c/o The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89109. Flowers may also be sent to this address, and will be placed with others displayed by the Siegfried & Roy Statue in front of The Mirage, in expression of the overwhelming concern we have received for Roy from all around the world.

Many people have requested information regarding donations. We all feel that UMC and its excellent medical staff saved Roy¹s life, and therefore ask that you send your donations in Roy¹s name to University Medical Center Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 26118, Las Vegas, NV 89126-0110.

Again, on behalf of Roy Horn and The Mirage, thank you for your kindness and caring. The support Roy has received from his many friends and fans is no doubt very much appreciated during this difficult time, and your comments will be appropriately conveyed.

Sincerely,
Mirage Guest Service