The Hill News

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) underwent surgery on Thursday to remove a small mass from his stomach, his office announced.

Durbin, the second-ranking Senate Democrat, underwent surgery in Chicago to remove a small gastro-intestinal stromal tumor (GIST) discovered during a routine check-up. 

An aide described the tumor to the Chicago Tribune as "a rare form of stomach cancer." It was able to be removed in its entirety using laparoscopic procedures.

“Senator Durbin went through today’s surgical procedure with flying colors and is resting comfortably,” said Durbin spokesman Joe Shoemaker. “He expects to be released from the hospital and resume a light schedule in the next couple days and should be a! ble to resume a full schedule as soon as next week.”

Durbin is the second Senate Democrat to be hospitalized for surgery during August's congressional recess. Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) underwent surgery earlier this week to remove his gallbladder.

Updated 1:49 p.m.