Chinchilla undergoes surgery to remove gallstones

Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla received surgery for gallstones at an outpatient center at the private Hospital Metropolitano in west San José.

Spokesman Roberto Gallardo confirmed that the president is recovering from the minor operation. “She will stay tonight in the hospital as the doctors recommended. She should be going back home to rest tomorrow morning. Irene Pacheco, her personal assistant, is currently keeping her company at Hospital Metropolitano.”

Presidency Minister Carlos Benavides explained that Chinchilla saw a doctor after experiencing abdominal pain this week.

According to Dr. Roberto Herrera, medical and general director of Hospital Metropolitano, the operation was a success and the president is recovering in excellent condition.

“It wasn’t an emergency surgery and we decided to do it today to take advantage of the weekend. She should be fully recovered by early next week,” Herrera said.

According to Gallardo, Dr. Herrera is the president’s primary physician and recommended she have the surgery at Hospital Metropolitano.