Vice President's herniated disk surgery successful: Presidential Office

Taipei, June 26 (CNA) Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴淸德) underwent successful herniated disk surgery on Sunday and is expected to be out of bed and walking by evening, according to the Presidential Office.

Lai sought medical attention due to acute lower back pain and was found to have herniated disks in his spine, Presidential Office spokesman Xavier Chang (張惇涵) told reporters.

He underwent an hour-long microsurgery at Taipei Veterans General Hospital on Sunday, which was successful. Lai is expected to be out of bed and walking by Sunday evening, but will remain under observation at the hospital on the recommendation of the medical team, Chang said.

According to Chang, Lai expressed his thanks to hospital medical personnel and for get well messages from the public. He has also reported his conditions to President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), who wished him a speedy recovery.