FUMO TO UNDERGO BACK SURGERY ON TUESDAY

     PHILADELPHIA, SEPTEMBER 27, 2007 – State Senator Vince Fumo (D-Philadelphia) will undergo a back operation on Tuesday morning, October 2, at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. William Welch will perform the surgery, with Dr. Frederick Simeone on hand as consulting neurosurgeon.

     The procedure, a lumbar laminectomy, will remove arthritic bone that is compressing nerves to Fumo’s legs. The localized arthritis has caused back pain that radiates down the right leg, limiting Fumo’s ability to walk or stand for long periods of time.

     Fumo, 64, will probably remain in the hospital one or two nights. His travel will be restricted for two to four weeks.

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Advisory to news media: Neither Pennsylvania Hospital nor the physicians will release information on the results of the surgery. Fumo’s office expects to provide an update some time Tuesday afternoon.