RECOVERY

Mandela Discharged From Hospital

“As fine as can be at his age ... and handsome.”

Former South African president Nelson Mandela was discharged from hospital Sunday after undergoing a laparoscopy, or keyhole surgery. The office of President Jacob Zuma said the 93-year-old anti-apartheid icon is recovering well after a minor procedure to deal with a longstanding abdominal complaint, and Zuma told South Africans not to panic. Defense Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said, “He's as fine as can be at his age ... and handsome.” Sisulu denied reports that Mandela had surgery for a hernia. Mandela has had chronic stomach pains, and a keyhole surgery involves inserting a tiny camera inside the abdomen to carry out an internal investigation.