KARACHI, Sept 9: Nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan was operated upon successfully for treatment of prostate cancer at the Aga Khan University Hospital on Saturday.

According to a source privy to the surgery, “Radical Prostatectomy”, aimed at halting any further spread of cancer in the body of 70-year old scientist lasted four and a half hours.

The team of doctors linked with the operation, details of which were released to media very hazily, was headed by Dr Farhat Abbas of AKU, and included a few surgeons or consultants from outside the university as well. Referring to the post-surgery recovery of Dr Khan, the source said that though the operation was a complicated one but every thing had been done to the mark and in view of Dr Khan’s condition it could be said that he would be allowed to leave hospital in a week or two. The surgery continued till 2.30pm.

Dr Khan, who was brought to AKU Hospital on the night of Sept 7, was accompanied by his wife and daughter. The relatives and the personal surgeon accompanying him were satisfied with the operation performed without any complication and it was hoped that Dr Khan will recover soon, said another source.

Talking about the restrictions on visitors or media personnel the source said that though it was unusual in the case of Dr Khan but it went in favour of both the patient and the doctors. A personality like Dr Khan needed a high profile security above all, he added.

The government on Aug 22 had announced that Dr Khan, who has been under detention in his residence in Islamabad since February 2004, was suffering from prostate cancer.

Admirers of Dr Khan complained about unprecedented secrecy maintained since the breaking of news about his treatment at the AKU, saying the hospital should have formally issued a day-to-day health bulletin.