Inouye surgery called 'a success'
By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer
U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye came through shoulder replacement surgery yesterday in good condition and is "resting comfortably," according to a statement from his Washington office.
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Hawai'i's senior senator was admitted Sunday night at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in preparation for yesterday's partial replacement of his left shoulder, said Inouye spokesman Mike Yuen.
U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye should recover fully from surgery in three months.
Yuen said Dr. John Xenos, who headed the surgical team, called the operation "a success."
He also had no specific details on the procedure, described as being necessary because of the "double duty" performed by the left shoulder throughout the adult life of the 79-year-old Democrat.
Inouye lost his right arm in combat during World War II.
The Senate is not in session this week. Xenos has said that hospital rehabilitation will take one to two weeks, with the senator resuming duties within a month and full recovery expected in three months.
Inouye "has told callers not to send flowers of any sort," Yuen said. "If anyone wants to send flowers, send them to (other patients at) Tripler Army Medical Center if they are in Hawai'i, or to Walter Reed."
Reach Vicki Viotti at 525-8053 or at vviotti@honoluluadvertiser.com.
