Surgeons removed Atty. Gen. John Ashcroft’s gallbladder Tuesday to prevent a recurrence of the gallstone-caused pancreatitis that sent him to intensive care.
Ashcroft came through the minimally invasive surgery well but was being monitored closely for complications, said Dr. Bruce Abell, who performed the procedure at George Washington University Hospital.
Ashcroft probably will remain in the hospital four or five more days, typical for a pancreatitis patient who undergoes the gallbladder procedure, he said.
“Long term, he should have a complete recovery,” Abell told reporters.
Severe pancreatitis is a serious and painful abdominal condition that sometimes is fatal. Ashcroft, 61, was diagnosed with the condition, triggered by a gallstone, on Thursday.
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, a gland that secretes digestive enzymes and insulin. The two main causes are alcohol abuse and, as in Ashcroft’s case, a gallstone that blocks the passage from the pancreas to the small intestine.
