Gorbachev recovering from spinal surgery

MUNICH, Germany, April 14 (UPI) -- Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev is recovering from spinal surgery in Munich, the Gorbachev Foundation said.

Gorbachev's surgery at Schon Klinik Munchen Harlaching in Munich lasted about two hours and he is expected to be released from the hospital within a few days, RIA Novosti reported Thursday.

"Professor Meier [Gorbachev's doctor] said the operation, which lasted about two hours, was a success and the patient is getting better," the foundation said.

Gorbachev turned 80 last month.