Mandela home from hospital; 'nothing seriously wrong'

GlobalPost

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Nelson Mandela is home after spending a night in hospital for a diagnostic procedure to determine the cause of a long-standing abdominal problem.

The former president was discharged from hospital today after the procedure, said to have been a diagnostic laparoscopy, "did not indicate anything seriously wrong," according to South African officials.

Earlier today, the office of President Jacob Zuma said that "Madiba," as he is called by South Africans, using his Xhosa clan name, had been making "good progress" in hospital and "had a good night's rest."

"He is surrounded by his family and is relaxed and comfortable. The doctors are happy with the progress he is making. We thank all South Africans for their love and support of Madiba. We also thank all for affording Madiba and his family privacy and dignity," Zuma said in a statement.

"The doctors have assured us that there is nothing to worry about and that Madiba is in good health," Zuma said.

More from GlobalPost: Nelson Mandela hospitalized, 'in good spirits'

Defense Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said Mandela had undergone a diagnostic laparoscopy, or "keyhole" surgery, a procedure in which a tiny camera is inserted through the abdomen to allow doctors to carry out an internal investigation.

"He's fine, he is recovering from anesthetic and he is as fine as can be at his age. He is fine and handsome," Sisulu told reporters in Cape Town.

Mandela, the anti-apartheid icon who became South Africa's first democratically elected president in 1994, has been in frail health in recent years. His last public appearance was at the 2010 soccer World Cup.

In January 2011, Mandela was hospitalized in Johannesburg for treatment of respiratory problems.

Special report from GlobalPost: Mandela's village: South Africa's road from Qunu 

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