The former president’s personal physician, Raquel Pannone, told the press that her patient will remain in the health institution over the weekend to assess his recovery.

The former head of state was fitted with a stent (prosthesis) to widen the esophagus and thus facilitate the intake of food and liquids.

The procedure was “excellently performed,” said the doctor, who praised the team of endoscopists and anesthesiologists who assisted Mujica.

Pepe, as he is called, “is calm and sitting up in bed,” said Pannone.

The former ruler, highly reputed in his country, is dealing with the after-effects from radiotherapy treatment for an esophageal cancer that was diagnosed in April.

Since then, Mujica has suffered from an esophageal obstruction that prevents him from eating and drinking normally, in addition to suffering pain.

According to the doctor, the patient will be able to return to his farm on the outskirts of this capital on Sunday, depending on his progress.

ied/arc/ool