Sen. Kirk has more surgery

CHICAGO, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk has successfully gone through a second round of surgery to accommodate swelling in his brain, a Chicago hospital said Thursday.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital released a statement from Kirk's surgeon, Dr. Richard Fessler, describing the operation as common for stroke victims. Fessler said doctors removed two small pieces of tissue that had been destroyed by a stroke.

"The procedure is unlikely to have any impact on his physical or neurological prognosis," Fessler said. "Upon examination this morning, the senator was alert, responsive and gave us the thumbs up on request."

Kirk, R-Ill., was hospitalized Saturday with stroke symptoms and underwent surgery Sunday.

Doctors say the 52-year-old senator may not recover complete physical movement even with therapy, although they expect a full mental recovery, the Chicago Tribune reported.