FUMO HAS SURGERY TO REPAIR NECK PROBLEM

     PHILADELPHIA, July 8, 2003 – State Senator Vincent J. Fumo (D-Philadelphia) underwent successful surgery this morning to relieve pain caused by bones compressing nerves in his neck.

     During a microsurgical procedure that lasted about 2 ½  hours at the Medical College of Pennsylvania, Dr. Frederick Simeone widened the opening in the upper cervical levels of Fumo’s spine. No fusions or bone grafts were required.

     Simeone, professor of neurosurgery at Drexel University School of Medicine, said Fumo took the surgery well with normal neurological function, and recovered with normal neurological function.

     His condition was listed as stable.

     Fumo, 60, is expected to remain in the hospital overnight and should be released tomorrow. His activity will be slightly restricted for about one week. During that time, he will participate as required in state budget negotiations by keeping in touch with his staff through phone calls and email.

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