Japanese Princes' successful surgery

08-06-2007 13:00

Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito underwent successful surgery to remove a benign tumour yesterday (06.06.07).

The prince is said to be recovering well following the 70-minute procedure at the University of Tokyo Hospital.

Ichiro Kanazawa, a doctor with the Imperial Household Agency, told reporters at a press conference yesterday that Naruhito's procedure - in which a growth was removed from his duodenum, a part of the small intestine - was a success.

Kanazawa added that the prince had already been up from his bed and on his feet, and had been talking with his wife Masako.

Naruhito, 47, is expected to stay in hospital another week in order to fully recover.

He will then spend a further week resting at home, before beginning to resume his duties.

The abnormal growth was discovered during a routine health check-up in March.