Robin Williams' heart operation 'went extremely well'

24 March 2009  

Actor ROBIN WILLIAMS is recovering well after undergoing heart surgery - and was cracking jokes with the medical team just two hours after the operation.
 
The 57-year-old Oscar winner was forced to postpone the remainder of his Weapons of Self-Destruction comedy tour earlier this month (Mar09) after complaining of shortness of breath.
 
He was subsequently hospitalised in Miami, Florida, where doctors advised him to undergo surgery for an aortic valve replacement.
 
Williams had the operation at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio on 13 March (09).
 
His cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Marc Gillinov, says, "Mr. Williams’ operation went extremely well and we expect him to make a full recovery.
 
"The three-and-a-half-hour heart surgery was conducted to replace his aortic valve, repair his mitral valve, and correct his irregular heartbeat. His heart is strong and he will have normal heart function in the coming weeks with no limitations on what he’ll be able to do.
 
"A couple of hours after surgery, he was entertaining the medical team and making us all laugh."
 Williams has publicly thanked the medical teams at both hospitals for taking such good care of him.

In a statement released by his representative, he says, "The professionals at the University of Miami Hospital and, ultimately, at the Cleveland Clinic were all fantastic. I can’t thank them enough for their kindness and dedication while I was in their care. I must also thank all the people who have expressed their love and concern for me. I have been deeply touched by their support."
 
And he plans to use his heart condition as fodder for his stand-up comedy routine: "I got some great new material for the tour and can’t wait to get back on the road. I’m thinking the next leg of the tour will be (called) Weapons of Self-Destruction and Reconstruction!"