Former President Bush goes home after hip surgery

ROCHESTER, Minnesota (Reuters) -- Former President George Bush was released Saturday from the world-renowned Mayo Clinic after having surgery to replace his left hip, a hospital spokeswoman said.

"President Bush was dismissed following uneventful surgery," she told reporters. "He will recuperate at his home in Texas."

Bush, 76, underwent surgery on December 5. Hip replacement is a common surgical procedure performed on thousands of Americans every year, including former first lady Barbara Bush at the same clinic in 1997.

In a telephone interview with Reuters, Jean Becker, the former president's chief of staff, said Bush was "fine."

"He's up and walking around," she said.

President from 1989 to 1993, Bush was defeated in his 1992 reelection bid by Democrat Bill Clinton. The former president was known for vigorous exercise when he held the office and attracted worldwide attention in 1997 by skydiving.

The elder Bush has tried to stay out of the political fray in Florida over the results of the presidential election between his son, Republican Texas Gov. George W. Bush, and Democratic Vice President Al Gore.

Copyright 2000 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For more US news, myCNN.com will bring you news from the areas and subjects you select.

Mayo Clinic Health Oasis
Mayo Clinic & Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.