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Lord Mandelson was in “good form” today after undergoing an operation on his prostate.
The 55-year-old Business Secretary was admitted to St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, for the “routine” treatment and will remain there overnight.
The peer was waiting for a full diagnosis but his spokesman said that it appeared that he was suffering from an enlarged prostate gland.
Lord Mandelson, who stood in for the Prime Minister last week, was admitted after experiencing bladder problems.
“The operation is over now, and once we have heard from the surgeon, we will know exactly what it was.
“But all the expectations are that it is an enlarged prostate gland,” his spokesman at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said.
The minister is seen by colleagues as one of the fittest members of the Government. He jogs, visits the gym and cycles whenever his diary allows.
He also revealed recently that he is on a strict diet and often survives on fruit, granola and green tea.
Today, Lord Mandelson was said to be in “good spirits”.
He was being kept informed of the key decision on the future of Britain's two Vauxhall car plants. GM Motors was set to reveal which of two bidders would take over the UK sites.
In October he had emergency treatment for kidney stones but today's admission had been planned in advance.
Lord Mandelson was pictured looking tanned and in shape while on holiday in Corfu this month.
He was widely praised for his stint standing in for Mr Brown, when he supervised one of Labour's best weeks of recent months and attacked his old foe George Osborne.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as enlarged prostate gland, is one of the most common conditions affecting men over 40.
Symptoms can be eased by avoiding caffeine and cutting down on alcohol. Surgical treatment, sometimes involving a laser, can remove part of the prostate gland.
Prostate cancer specialist nurse Suresh Rambaran, who works for The Prostate Cancer Charity, said: “Benign prostate hyperplasia is caused by a change in the hormone levels in men as they grow older, which makes the prostate enlarged.
“It is a non-cancerous and most common condition. The operation is minor and is just like unblocking a blocked drain. Many patients can go home the next day.
“Most men are given medication to start with to relax their bladder, and if that doesn't work they have the minor surgery.”
Reader views (7)
Harold Macmillan had this in october 1963 and took it upon himself to immediately resign!
- William Grierson, Kimpton-UK
Macmillan was then suceeded as prime minister by LORD Hume!!
De Ja Vu?
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex, 23/08/2009 17:56
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The reason it is not removed Mr Barron is that in many cases the loss of a sphincter which results leaves the patient incontinent and nerve damage can leave him impotent.
- Fetrherstonehaugh, Paris France, 21/08/2009 21:27
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I always thought there was a waiting list so di he get priority also it would be intresting to see if normal people were operated on as quick as mandelson.
- Jacqui Williams, peterborough cambs, 21/08/2009 16:25
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As the prostate gland is a major contributor to loss of life especially as it is prone to cancer, why is this component not removed, if agreed in all males at age 50 plus?
Most males age 50 plus don’t want to start a family, and it is only in the reproduction process that this component is required. So why wait to see if you get ‘Prostate Cancer’ before you act?
- Carl Barron, Christchurch, Dorset, 21/08/2009 12:56
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Harold Macmillan had this in october 1963 and took it upon himself to immediately resign!
- William Grierson, Kimpton-UK, 21/08/2009 12:10
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Look forward to the hourly progress bulletins from dozens of excited NHS spokepersons. But get well soon, Mandy; we need some fun in our wretched lives.
- Ted, London, 21/08/2009 10:58
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What a shame he is a Londoner - we could have been 'compassionate' and sent home to be with his family.
No such luck
- Amazonmothe, hasting, 21/08/2009 08:16
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