Posted at 12:17 p.m., Tuesday, December 18, 2001

Akaka undergoes surgery for knee replacement

Associated Presss

Hawai'i Sen. Daniel Akaka, recovering from knee surgery at a Honolulu hospital, said today he hopes to be home by the end of the week.

"I'm fine, I'm coming along," the Democrat said from his bed at the Queen's Medical Center, where he underwent knee replacement surgery yesterday for his right knee.

Akaka, 77, underwent a procedure in which the surfaces of the arthritic joint were removed and replaced with prosthetic components intended to reduce pain and restore motion, his Washington office said in a statement.

Akaka said today that his knee had bothered him for a long time. His office said he had postponed the surgery twice this year.

Akaka said he wasn't sure what course of physical therapy his doctor would prescribe, but that he planned to stay at his home in Honolulu while he recuperates.

"I hope to be home this Friday," Akaka said.

Akaka plans to return to Washington in late January, when the Senate returns to Congress.

Akaka had surgery to replace his right hip in August 2000.