BOSTON, May 28 (UPI) -- Boston Mayor Thomas Menino is to have surgery this week, doctors say.
Menino's operation is scheduled for Friday at Brigham and Women's Hospital, the Boston Herald reported. The 70-year-old mayor was diagnosed with diabetes last year and hospitalized for several months for problems that included a back fracture but doctors say this operation is to relieve problems from an enlarged prostate.
"This is a common procedure for a common problem," Dr. Charles Morris said. "It is not being performed out of a concern for prostate cancer."
Menino became acting mayor in July 1993 when Ray Flynn was named ambassador to the Vatican. He went on to become the first five-term mayor in Boston history after winning the November 1993 election. He announced in March that he wouldn't seek another term in this year's election.
Michael P. Ross, a member of the city council, said he expects Menino to be an effective leader through his last months in office.
"He's proven time and time again he's a fighter. He's Boston's version of Rocky in so many ways," Ross said. "He just keeps fighting back and coming back."
