Nelson Mandela Well After Stomach Ailment, Says South Africa’s Minister

Nelson Mandela, who was admitted into hospital this weekend for abdominal pain, underwent laparoscopy and is doing "fine," South Africa's Defence Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu said Sunday.



"He had investigative laparoscopy," a procedure in which the abdominal area is probed by tiny cameras inserted through small incisions, Sisulu told a press conference. "He's fine and he is recovering from anaesthetic and he is as fine as can be at his age. He is fine and handsome."



The former South African leader, 93, loved by many people in the world checked into a yet to be identified hospital yesterday, prompting anxiety and speculations about the state of health of his health.



The hospital stay was for a planned "diagnostic procedure" to investigate an abdominal complaint, President Jacob Zuma said, without specifying the exact ailment.



"Madiba is fine and fully conscious and the doctors are satisfied with his condition, which they say is consistent with his age," said Zuma, using Mandela's nickname."He is receiving good medical care and is expected to be discharged from hospital either tomorrow or Monday.



The Nobel Peace Prize laureate last major public appearance was in July 2010.



"He was in good health before admission in hospital but doctors felt the complaint needed a thorough investigation. He underwent a diagnostic procedure as part of his ongoing medical management," Zuma said.



"We are happy that he is not in any danger and thank the doctors for their hard work and professionalism."Family and officials have refused to say where he is being treated with appeals for his privacy.Journalists trying to track the statesman's location have been barred entry to hospitals, with one photographer forced to delete pictures of a Pretoria military hospital.