Berlusconi has open heart surgery ‘without complications’

Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi had open heart surgery at the age of 79 yesterday, an operation his doctors described as a success and which his supporters greeted as a sign that he could soon return to the political fray.

The centre-right leader and media mogul was taken to hospital last week suffering from what doctors called a life-threatening cardiac deficiency. Mr Berlusconi has worn a pacemaker for the past decade.

He underwent a four-hour operation at Milan’s private San Raffaele Hospital to replace a defective aortic valve.

“The operation went as planned, very well, without complications,” said surgeon Ottavio Alfieri. – (Reuters)