Emperor to have heart bypass operation

Emperor to have heart bypass operation


Emperor Akihito is expected to have surgery next Saturday to increase the blood supply to his heart.

This will be the Emperor's first operation since he had his prostate removed 9 years ago, after cancer cells were detected.

The Emperor has been receiving medication since last year when part of an artery was found to have narrowed.

He had an examination at the University of Tokyo Hospital on Saturday to check his coronary arteries and the flow of blood in his heart.

Doctors found that the Emperor's symptoms are getting worse.

They said they have recommended a coronary bypass operation to add 2 vessels around his heart as it will be difficult to insert an artificial tube, or stent, in the affected artery.

The Imperial Household Agency told reporters on Sunday that it had decided to carry out the operation because the Emperor's symptoms have worsened since last year.

It said the operation is more likely to improve the Emperor's health condition than medication. It added that the Emperor and the Empress accepted the proposal for surgery without hesitation.

The operation will be performed by a team of doctors from the University of Tokyo and Juntendo University.

The Emperor should be able to leave hospital about 2 weeks after the operation.

Sunday, February 12, 2012 23:24 +0900 (JST)

Please read complete article at link below:
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120212_26.html

Editor's note: The staff of ProbateSharks.com pray for a successful surgery, complete recovery and good health for Emperor Akihito.  Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com

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