Bolivia's President Undergoes Successful Tumor-Removal Surgery in Cuba

April 1, 2017 - Latin American Herald Tribune

HAVANA – Bolivia's President Evo Morales underwent successful surgery on Saturday in Havana to remove a benign tumor from his larynx, an official accompanying him on the trip said.

Morales' operation took place at the Medical and Surgical Research Center hospital in the Cuban capital, the president's chief of staff, Rene Martinez, told Telesur from Havana, adding that as part of the head of state's recovery he must not speak at all for between four and seven days.

"All of the tests have been evaluated and conclude that the president is fully healthy," Martinez said.

No images have been released of Morales since he arrived in Cuba on Thursday, but the leftist president has sent out several tweets of a political nature.

Morales began to experience hoarseness in January after giving a long speech to commemorate his 11 years in power and the condition became more evident in his subsequent weekly addresses.

The tumor was discovered early this month in Cuba after he underwent emergency treatment for dysphonia, sinusitis and abdominal pain.

Morales decided to undergo treatment in Cuba after five Bolivian doctors were unable to cure his dysphonia, his administration said.