my mother recently had surgery to repair a heart valve and approximately one week after being released started having some complications such as shortness of breath and depression. She was readmitted to the hospital and after a few days she was placed into a medically induced coma after discovering approximately 1 liter of fluids in her lungs and an infection. Surgeons performed a procedure to remove the fluids from her lungs as well as treat an infection i believe is in her lungs. She has been in this state for the last few days with no worsening or improvement in her situation. I am deeply concerned for state and if this medically induced coma is necessary. Part of the problem also lies in that she is in another country and i am limited to information from Drs besides those provided by family members that are with her. My main question lies in why is it necessary for her to be in this state and if this is common procedure for someone who has experienced these events?