Clinton to have new heart surgery

Mr Clinton has played a prominent public role since his last operation

Former US President Bill Clinton is to have another heart operation this week, six months after undergoing quadruple heart bypass surgery.

He is expected to spend between three and 10 days in a New York hospital after having fluid and scar tissue removed under general anaesthetic.

The procedure was sometimes necessary after heart surgery, a spokesman said.

"I feel fine," Mr Clinton said on Tuesday, adding that he planned to play golf a day before Thursday's operation.

I just had a little fluid build-up after my surgery... It's no big deal Bill Clinton

Since his last surgery, Mr Clinton has opened his presidential library and toured tsunami-stricken areas in Asia.

He also gave a speech endorsing John Kerry's unsuccessful bid to win the US presidency for the Democrats.

'Low-risk'

Doctors at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center said the operation, known as a decortication, would take place on Thursday morning.

They said the procedure was not "medically urgent" and Mr Clinton's activities had not contributed to his condition.

The scar tissue had formed as a result of fluid build-up, causing a compression of the left lung and some discomfort to Mr Clinton, they said.

The operation is "low risk" and should eventually enable the former president to "resume work without limitations".

"All they have to do is drain it... It's no big deal," Mr Clinton said.

Tsunami tour

Mr Clinton's highest-profile recent engagement has been as a US ambassador to parts of south and south-east Asia ravaged by last December's tsunami.

Appearing alongside his predecessor as president, George Bush Sr, he has campaigned to raise funds for the region.

Mr Clinton underwent surgery on 6 September last year after complaining of suffering pains in his chest and breathing difficulties.

Doctors said he had been in imminent danger of a major heart attack before the operation.