HAIFA, Israel, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit has undergone surgery to have seven pieces of shrapnel removed from his elbow and forearm, Ynetnews reported.
Ynetnews reported the shrapnel, which had been in Shalit's elbow and forearm since the battle during which he was captured in 2006, was removed at Rambam Medical Center in Haifa Friday.
Two of the pieces of shrapnel removed during the 2-hour surgery had been pressuring nerves. Ynetnews said it remained unknown whether permanent damage was caused to his hand.
Shalit, 25, was to be discharged from the hospital Saturday.
Rambam Medical Center spokesman David Ratner said it's unlikely Shalit will require further surgeries.
Medical exams since his release from captivity determined Shalit was suffering from malnutrition and a vitamin deficiency caused by lack of sunlight.
Shalit was released this month in an exchange for the release of Palestinian and Israeli Arab prisoners.
