Charlie Wilson Undergoes Emergency Surgery

Rep. Charlie Wilson underwent emergency surgery this morning to repair a colonic perforation he suffered after having a routine colonoscopy on Monday in Ohio.

According to a release from Wilson's office, Wilson flew to Washington on Tuesday and wasn't feeling well shortly afterwards. He then met with the Attending Physician of the United States Congress who recommended that Wilson be hospitalized and accompanied him to George Washington University Hospital where he the colonic perforation was diagnosed.

This morning a decision was made that Wilson would require surgery. The surgery was viewed as a success and Wilson is currently in stable condition. He will be hospitalized for 5-7 days followed by a few weeks of rest at home.

After the surgery Wilson told his family and staff “I’m optimistic. I want to go back to work as soon I can".

I'd like to wish Wilson a speedy recovery and promise him and his staff that they won't be hearing any complaints from me while he takes time off to recover.

The full press release:

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Charlie Wilson (OH-6) is in stable condition today following emergency colon surgery performed in Washington early this morning.

Wilson underwent a routine screening colonoscopy on Monday in Ohio. On Tuesday afternoon he flew to Washington. After arriving in Washington he wasn’t feeling well and followed up with the Attending Physician of the United States Congress.

The attending physician recommended that he go to the hospital and accompanied Wilson to George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Doctors there admitted Wilson after they determined he sustained a colonic perforation following the colonoscopy. This morning Wilson’s doctors determined surgery was necessary.

“The surgery was successful and we did what we needed to safely treat his condition,” said Farshid Araghizadeh, M.D. Associate Professor of Surgery and Colorectal Surgeon at the George Washington University Hospital. “Congressman Wilson remains in the Intensive Care Unit in stable condition. Considering his initial presentation his progress is very encouraging.”

Wilson is expected to be in the hospital for the next five to seven days and then will continue to rest at home. He hopes to return to a light Congressional schedule within a few weeks. All of his offices remain open for business.

In the recovery room Wilson reassured both family and staff that he was fine. “I’m optimistic,” Wilson said. “I want to go back to work as soon I can.”

Well wishers are reminded that cards and flowers will not be accepted at the hospital.