Cristina Fernandez has hematoma removed from brain

Argentian president expected to make full recovery but will be sidelined for mid-term election

Argentine president Cristina Fernandez had successful surgery yesterday to remove blood from the surface of her brain. She is expected to make a full recovery, a government spokesman said.

Her condition, diagnosed on Saturday, has nonetheless sidelined the sharp-tongued, two-term leader ahead of a key mid-term election and at the apex of a rancorous court battle with the nation’s “holdout” creditors.

“She is in a very good mood,” said spokesman Alfredo Scoccimarro.

The president’s medical team issued a statement saying the operation took place without complications and that Ms Fernandez was recovering in the intensive care unit of the Fundacion Favaloro hospital.

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Her condition, described as a subdural hematoma, came from hitting her head when she took a fall in August.

The operation involved draining blood that had pooled between the brain and the skull.

Ms Fernandez, known for micro-managing her cabinet, is likely to pick up the reins of state as soon as she can, even if it from a hospital bed. Vice-president Amado Boudou cut short a planned visit to Brazil and France to return to Argentina over the weekend and take over Ms Fernandez's public duties. – (Reuters)