Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos was hospitalized Wednesday to undergo surgery after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The president arrived at the Bogota hospital at 6:30 and briefly spoke to the press before entering.
“The time has come. I am going in and I am optimistic. God willing everything will be fine,” said Santos.
The president took the opportunity “to warmly thank the many Colombians who have sent me messages, solidarity and positive energy.”
Santos had announced that he had prostate cancer on Monday and that he was having surgery to remove a tumor on his prostrate gland.
His personal physician said: “Surgery is being conducted under regional anesthesia, which means apart from the lower half of the body, the rest preserves consciousness. Following surgery the president will recover in this institution for two to three days.”
The results of the surgery are expected later on Wednesday afternoon.