ROME, June 8 (Reuters) – Pope Francis was in good general condition on Thursday morning after his first night in hospital following abdominal surgery, had rested well and the results of the first post-operation tests were good, doctors said.
“The medical team following the post-operation recovery of the pontiff say that Pope Francis spent a tranquil night, with a prolonged rest,” the Vatican said in a statement.
Pope Francis underwent a three-hour operation in a Rome hospital on Wednesday to repair a hernia, which doctors said was successful enough that he should have no limitations on his travels and other activities after he recovers.
Doctor Sergio Alfieri, the chief surgeon who operated on the pope at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, said he had reacted well to general anesthesia and that he expected the pontiff to be in hospital for about 5-7 days.
In a statement to journalists accredited to the Holy See, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, said: “The medical staff following the post-operative progress of the Pontiff reports that Pope Francis spent a quiet night, managing to rest for a long time; he is in good overall condition, and is alert and breathing on his own.”
“The routine follow-up examinations are good. He will take the necessary post-operative rest for the whole day.”
“The Pope has been made aware of the messages of closeness and affection that have arrived in the last few hours, and has expressed his gratitude, while at the same time asking for continued prayers.”