Tuesday, 24 March 2009

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Robin Williams's heart surgery called a success

Comedy actor will make a full recovery

Comedian Robin Williams starred in Night At The Museum with Ben Stiller

Friday the 13th was lucky for Robin Williams. That's the day the funny man 'successfully underwent heart surgery at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic,' his Los Angeles-based spokesperson announced Monday.

In a statement from Williams's rep, Mara Buxbaum, the Ohio clinic staff cardiothoracic surgeon, A. Marc Gillinov, M.D., said, 'Williams's operation went extremely well, and we expect him to make a full recovery.'

The procedure, which took 3½ hours, 'was conducted to replace his aortic valve, repair his mitral valve and correct his irregular heartbeat,' said the doctor – who termed Williams's heart 'strong' and foresaw no limitations insofar as his patient's future physical activities.

'A couple hours after surgery, he was entertaining the medical team and making us all laugh,' according to Gillinov.

Williams, 57, was in Florida performing his Weapons of Self-Destruction comedy tour earlier this month when his heart problem sidelined his schedule. He is expected to resume his 80-city itinerary in the fall, says Buxbaum, who quotes Williams as saying, 'I'm thinking the next leg of the tour will be Weapons of Self-Destruction and Reconstruction!'

^{By Stephen M. Silverman}