Mandelson applauds NHS after op

Lord Mandelson said he had been treated 'very well' in hospital

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has praised the NHS after a "very successful" operation to deal with an enlarged prostate gland.

Lord Mandelson, who is also the First Secretary of State, underwent surgery at St Mary's Hospital, west London, on Friday and remained there overnight.

He said he was "very proud to be an NHS patient" and thanked staff as he left.

Lord Mandelson was in charge of the government last week as he covered for the prime minister, who is on holiday.

As he left hospital, Lord Mandelson said: "I have been treated really well... everything is now flowing extremely well. Actually I have had a jolly time."

Benign growth of the prostate is common and around one in three men over the age of 50 suffer symptoms due to an enlarged prostate.

Treatment is not always necessary, as the symptoms, such as difficulty passing urine, can often be very mild.

Medication can help but surgery to reduce the size of the prostate is offered in more severe cases.