FUMO RECOVERING AFTER BACK SURGERY

     PHILADELPHIA, October 2 – State Senator Vince Fumo (D-Philadelphia) underwent lumbar laminectomy surgery this morning to correct spinal stenosis, which had been causing pain in his back and right leg.

     The procedure, performed at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia by Dr. William Welch, lasted about one hour and fifteen minutes. Dr. Frederick Simeone was in attendance as consulting neurosurgeon. Doctor Welch removed arthritic bone that had been compressing nerves and producing pain that prevented Fumo from standing or walking for long periods of time. The surgery went as anticipated.

     As of late morning, Fumo, 64, was awake and in a recovery room. He is expected to transfer this afternoon to a regular room at Pennsylvania Hospital, where he will remain for one or two nights. He will be restricted from traveling for several weeks.

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