Anderson Cooper reveals he had emergency surgery

NEW YORK, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Anderson Cooper underwent emergency surgery Sunday.

The 47-year-old news anchor was rushed to the hospital for an appendectomy. Cooper was absent on Monday's episode of Anderson Cooper 360, but did not offer an explanation until later on Twitter.

"I'll be back on air tomorrow. Had an appendicitis and had to have sudden surgery last night," he wrote.

Appendicitis is caused by a blockage in the hollow portion of the appendix. The condition is fairly common but can be quite painful, and an appendectomy surgery removes the organ.

Cooper has hosted Anderson Cooper 360 on CNN since 2003. He often broadcasts live on location for breaking news stories, and has reported from a number of dangerous locations during his career.