What Is Medically Induced Coma? Wrestling Legend Ric Flair Undergoes Successful Surgery

WWE legend Ric Flair underwent a successful surgery Monday after being admitted to a hospital in Atlanta on Saturday. He was said to be taken to the hospital for routine monitoring. However, the 68-year-old was soon shifted to intensive care.

Though the exact cause of his deteriorating health was not disclosed, a WWE representative, under the condition of anonymity, said Flair was in a medically induced coma and was preparing for a surgery, TMZ reported Monday before the surgery.

A medically induced coma is used by medical practioners in cases of traumatic brain injury. The procedure largely shuts down the brain for a specified period of time.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) on its websites states that: “A medically induced coma is when a patient receives a controlled dose of an anesthetic, typically propofol, pentobarbital or thiopental, to cause a temporary coma or a deep state of unconsciousness. This type of coma is used to protect the brain from swelling by reducing the metabolic rate of brain tissue, as well as the cerebral blood flow. Throughout a medically induced coma, a patient’s critical life functions are constantly monitored by an anesthesiologist or another physician in a critical care setting only.”

The website further states: “A patient who is in a medically induced coma has a brain injury with swelling that has not responded to other treatments. When the brain swells it can be life-threatening, as it can constrict blood supply and destroy additional brain tissue. When a patient is put in a medically induced coma or deep state of unconsciousness, the brain is able to rest and swelling is more likely to decrease. When swelling is relieved, pressure on the brain also reduces, hopefully preventing some or all brain damage from occurring.”

Late Sunday, Melinda Morris, CEO of Zanoni of Legacy Talent and Entertainment — the agency that represents Flair — sent out a tweet confirming the WWE legend’s condition, saying he was dealing with “some tough medical issues.”

Flair's daughter, Ashley, was said to be by her father's side at the time of his surgery, USA Today reported.

During a WWE broadcast Monday, announcer Michael Cole said Flair’s surgery was a success; however, he was “not out of the woods yet,” he added. "Our thoughts and prayers are going out to his family in Atlanta tonight.”

Zanoni also said Monday that Flair still had a "long road ahead."

Flair, a member of the WWE Hall of Fame and a 16-time champion, is the lead subject of an upcoming documentary on ESPN titled “Nature Boy.” The documentary is set to premiere Nov. 7.

While he is currently recovering at the hospital, Flair’s Twitter account has been flooded with messages from his friends and fans, including pro-wrestler John Cena, wishing him a speedy recovery.

“Sending positive energy and prayers out to you Ric. We need The Nature Boy around for a long time!” pro-wrestler Mick Foley wrote on Twitter.

World Championship Wrestling president Eric Bischoff also extended his prayers to Flair and his family.