Ms Gábor was rushed to hospital on 2 January after a lesion on her leg turned gangrenous. At first sight, the medical staff at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Centre in Los Angeles thought that the leg might have to be partially aputated in order to prevent the gangrene from spreading. 

However, she was placed on strong antibiotics and responded well to treatment so the amputation was luckily avoided.

Unfortunately, since then her condition hasn't inmproved and it is feared that an amputation might still prove necessary for the 93-year old former actress.

Zsa Zsa Gábor is checked into the UCLA Medical Centre under a false name, for her protection.  However her husband, Prince Frederic von Anhalt, is keeping her cut off from both friends and family and has refused her daughter access to Ms Gábor.

Francesca Hilton, Zsa Zsa Gábor's daughter, flew to Los Angeles to see her mother but has been turned away by Mr Anhalt.  The two have never gotten on and Ms Hilton believes that  Mr Anhalt is preventing her from seeing her mother out of spite.

Zsa Zsa Gábor's publicist Edward Lozzi said "Zsa Zsa Gabor is in a life threatening situation at UCLA facing a possible life altering surgery, yet Francesca is not allowed to even visit her to give her comfort, support, love and attention. It sounds cruel, but it is perfectly legal according to the laws of California in which a spouse has control of access and power of attorney to make any decisions including banning the natural children."

The statement continued, "Francesca has been entirely at the mercy of Mr. Von Anhalt, who has for the most part banned her from visiting her mother at home and now in the hospital. This is a cruel and pathetic situation for Francesca who will not be with her mother in this critical period which could be the last hours of her life."

Although Doctors are working to save Ms Gábor's leg, Mr Anhalt has already given the medical staff permission to do what they feel is best.