08.07.2010 11:44 AM

He’s in great shape, joking with the doctors, and will make a full recovery

Jean Chretien has successful brain surgery in Montreal

Updated: Sat Aug. 07 2010 11:03:38 AM

CTV.ca News Staff

Former prime minister Jean Chretien is recovering in a Montreal hospital after undergoing surgery to relieve a pooling of blood on his brain.

A news release issued by Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital said Chretien had surgery to relieve a spontaneous subdural hematoma, or a collection of blood between the skull and the brain, on Friday.

The hospital said neurosurgeon Dr. Jeff D. Golan successfully evacuated the blood, which had accumulated on the right side of Chretien’s head.

Hospital staff will update the former prime minister’s condition during a news conference at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

Chretien is expected to be released from hospital in a few days.

He appeared in good health in May when he attended the unveiling of his official portrait on Parliament Hill.

Chretien, 76, served as an MP for 40 years and led three Liberal-majority governments in a decade as prime minister.

Chretien left public life when he resigned as prime minister in December 2003, and went to work for Heenan Blaikie, mostly at the law firm’s Ottawa office. But he is also active at the Montreal office, according to the firm’s website.

He underwent emergency quadruple bypass surgery in 2007 at the Montreal Heart Institute, shortly before his memoirs were published.

9 Comments

  1. Robbie says:

    This is good news, Warren. Nice to hear that Mr Chretien is doing well after his surgery and that he will make a full recovery. Having one’s sense of humour is always a good sign of recovery.

  2. I wish him a successfull recovery.Being an central Alberta,conservative redneck(whatever the hell that is),I seldom agreed with him,politically.However,I always admired the way he was always able to get things done…..”his way”.
    He had a profound influence on Canada and it’s citizens…..some good….some things bad.
    I’m quite sure that he will go down in history as one of the most important prime ministers in Canadian history……far eclipsing his buddy Pierre.

  3. DAVID says:

    Great news i wish he has a speedy recovery

  4. Sandra says:

    Now, Mr. Chretien – obey your doctors and your “classy” wife for a full and speedy recovery – she knows what’s best for you.

    I had said to my husband when Chretien had his hanging, noticing his limp, that I thought he looked pasty, didn’t look right.

    When he appeared with Ignatieff on the tour, I thought he looked gray and terrible.

    Now we know why.

    By the way Warren (I supposed I shouldn’t mention it, but it makes me sick) – the comments on the various news sites on this by the Conservative supporters is about as low and nasty as I’ve ever seen – this is the kind of people that support Harper – sickos

  5. Mr. Chretien had a succesful operation and we wish him a speedy recovery. He is in good shape and thus the reason for his quick recovery. The best to his wife.

  6. AmandaM says:

    Please pass on the best wishes and the faith of millions. We’re all here for you, Mr. C!

    (Sandra is right – listen to Mrs. C! She knows!)

  7. Chris P says:

    Warren please pass along our messages to the former great prime minister wishing him a full recovery.

  8. allegra fortissima says:

    Je fais des voeux pour votre prompt retablissement, Monsieur Chretien!

  9. Paul R. Martin says:

    Very good news Warren.

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