MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine president rests in Olivos residence; no cancerous cells detected

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez was discharged from hospital midday Saturday three days after surgery and following on the announcement that “medical tests have ruled out the presence of cancerous cells in her thyroid gland”.

Cristina Fernandez was flown by helicopter to the presidential residence in Olivos where she is scheduled to remain until next Monday, when the next medical report is to be announced.

“The definitive histopathology study identified the presence of nodules in both of (President Cristina Fernandez) thyroid gland lobules but discarded the presence of cancerous cells, modifying the original diagnosis”, which means the administration of radioactive iodine will not be necessary, said presidential spokesperson Alfredo Scoccimarro speaking from the Austral University hospital.

“The histology was reported as follicular adenomas and therefore based on this favourable diagnosis the medical team considered that the surgery treatment implemented is sufficient, and it is not necessary to apply radioactive iodine”, added the official release.

In other words the tumour originally suspected to be a carcinoma and which motivated the total thyroidectomy has been diagnosed as benign. However medical experts commenting the official release said that surgery was the correct procedure and that according to Argentine medical records less than 2% of cases of this nature are finally tested non cancerous.

The medical report said the Argentine president was rapidly recovering and her overall condition is “optimum”. 

Scoccimarro added that the President and her family were most grateful to all people, citizens, militants and personalities for their expressions of love and care for her health condition. She also thanked the medical team and hospital staff for their performance and affection during the whole process.

“I thank God and the Argentine people for the outcome and their unyielding support”, concluded the brief statement. Hundreds of different Kirchnerite activist groups and followers waiting outside the Austral Hospital cheered and began chanting when the official medical report was announced.

Many remained waiting to catch a glimpse of President Cristina Fernandez who was later flown by helicopter to the official residency in Olivos. Most of the activists have been on vigil since last Wednesday when the president was taken to the hospital in Pilar, 60 kilometres from Buenos Aires City.

According to media reports the CFK completed her satisfactory recovery on Friday when the surgery drainage and intravenous connection were withdrawn and clinical exams proved positive.

A team of eight surgeons headed by Doctor Pedro Saco was involved in the operation which consisted in a total thyroidectomy plus extirpation of adjacent lymphatic nodules. Surgery was done under full anaesthetics and lasted three hours.

Cristina Fernandez was discharged from hospital mid day Saturday.