Hugo Chavez starting more treatment in Cuba
January 26, 2013 5:08PM
Supporters of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez shout slogans during a rally in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's condition has improved and he is now optimistic as he faces more treatment following cancer surgery, his vice president said Saturday. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
SANTIAGO, Chile — Venezuela’s government says President Hugo Chavez has begun additional treatment after surviving complications from cancer surgery in Cuba more than six weeks ago.
Venezuelan Information Minister Ernesto Villegas said on the sidelines of a summit meeting in Chile that when Chavez underwent surgery on Dec. 11, a “malignant lesion” with severe complications was removed from the pelvis.
Villegas said that Chavez has overcome a severe respiratory infection that set in after the surgery, although he still has “a certain degree of respiratory insufficiency” and is being treated for that.
Villegas said for the first time that doctors have begun to apply, in his words, “systemic medical treatment” for his illness. He didn’t give details.
Associated Press
