Pc Rathband was taken to hospital but despite several operations to restore his eyesight he was still classed as being "black blind".

Despite repeated operations, however, a bullet remained lodged in his spine and could not be removed due to its location near the spinal cord.

Despite several painful operations, the doctors were unable to save him from a lifelong limp.

The insurgency has proven resilient despite several big military operations over the years, and previous forecasts of significant troop withdrawals have yet to materialize.

Despite several operations, neither Marjan's eyesight nor his mouth could be saved.

Despite operations for detached retinas, she became virtually blind.

Despite frequent operations, Ari had achieved a semblance of a normal life.

Despite several operations the hand had little utility.

Despite extended operations, over £1,000,000 remains to be salvaged.

The convoy continued to be attacked after the reinforcements arrived, despite constant anti-submarine operations.