World News Emperor faces surgery to remove prostate

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Emperor Akihito, diagnosed with prostate cancer last month, will undergo an operation to remove his prostate gland on Jan. 18, the Imperial Household Agency said Jan. 8.

Akihito, who turned 69 in December, was found to have cancer in a Dec. 28 checkup. Blood tests over the past three years had shown "slightly worrisome" figures and doctors noticed a hardened area on the gland. The initial diagnosis is that the cancer has not spread.

Akihito will have a two-hour operation at the University of Tokyo Hospital and will remain hospitalized for about a month. The operation will be performed by a joint team of doctors belonging to the university and the National Cancer Center, the agency said.

The Emperor will rest at the imperial residence for an extended time after the operation. During the Emperor's absence, his eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito, 42, is expected to take over his constitutional functions.

The agency added that it and the hospital will accept get-well cards, but neither flowers nor get-well presents. People will be able to sign a visitor's book during the Emperor's hospital stay.

天皇陛下、がん摘出で手術

天皇陛下が前立腺がんのため東大医学部付属病院に入院、手術する日程が固まった。

Shukan ST: Jan. 17, 2003

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