Nelson Mandela gallstone operation 'was successful'
South Africa's first black president, Nelson Mandela, has had a successful operation to remove gallstones, according to a government statement.
Mr Mandela, who is 94, was admitted to hospital last Saturday after suffering a recurrence of a lung infection.
Tests revealed the presence of gallstones and doctors treating Mr Mandela decided to remove them once he had recovered from the infection.
The BBC's Johannesburg correspondent Karen Allen gave the BBC News Channel the latest on Mr Mandela's condition.
15 Dec 2012