Condoleezza Rice undergoes surgery
Condoleezza Rice, President Bush’s choice to be the next secretary of state, underwent surgery today to treat non-cancerous growths in the uterus.
The National Security Adviser underwent uterine fibroid embolisation Georgetown University Hospital in Washington.
“The surgery was successful and she is resting comfortably,” said Jim Wilkinson, a deputy national security adviser.
Uterine fibroid embolization blocks blood flow to fibroids, non-cancerous tumours in the uterus. It is meant to shrink the growths by injecting small particles into the blood vessels that “feed” the fibroids to cut off their blood supply.
For some women it is an alternative to hysterectomy. Radiologist Dr. James Spies performed the procedure, Wilkinson said.
Ms Rice was scheduled to stay overnight at the hospital and go home on Saturday. She could return to work as early as Monday, Wilkinson said.
Bush announced on Tuesday that Rice, 50, will succeed Secretary of State Colin Powell. Her nomination must be confirmed by the Senate.
