Mubarak undergoes simple procedure

President Hosni Mubarak’s inflamed gallbladder was removed today during an operation in Germany, Heidelberg University Hospital said.

“The surgery was successful,” hospital spokeswoman Annette Tuffs said. Egypt’s government Middle East News Agency said Mubarak, 81, was in an intensive care unit following the operation and speaking to family members and doctors.

Mubarak temporarily handed power to Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif, who will carry out the presidential role until the longtime leader is able to resume his duties, the government information ministry said. In Egypt, there is no vice president.

Mubarak is conscious and communicating with his family and medical team, Marcus Buchler, a doctor at the Heidelberg Medical Center, said in a statement.