US Senator Edward Kennedy underwent successful brain cancer surgery today.
'I am pleased to report that Senator Kennedy's surgery was successful and accomplished our goals,' Dr Allan Friedman said in a brief statement after a three-and-a-half-hour operation at Duke University Medical Centre in Durham, North Carolina.
Mr Friedman said Mr Kennedy was awake during the procedure and 'should therefore experience no permanent neurological affects from the surgery'.
The doctor called the operation 'the first step' in the treatment plan for the 76-year-old senator from Massachusetts.
'After a brief recuperation, he will begin targeted radiation at Massachusetts General Hospital and chemotherapy treatment,' Friedman said.
Senator Kennedy was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour called a glioma, a type of tumour that usually kills within three years, after suffering a seizure on 17 May at his family compound at Hyannisport, Massachusetts.
There was no immediate word on when Mr Kennedy would be able to return to work in the Senate but he expects to return to help Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
'After completing treatment, I look forward to returning to the United States Senate and to doing everything I can to help elect Barack Obama as our next president,' the senator said.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen has sent his best wishes to SEnator Kennedy.
Mr Cowen said: 'Senator Ted Kennedy is a man of extraordinary
courage and determination and we are immensely proud of him. I extend warmest good wishes to him following the surgery which he underwent... The thoughts and prayers of the Irish people are with him.'
