President Ramchandra Paudel on Wednesday underwent successful prostate surgery at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, where he was admitted for treatment earlier in the morning.

According to a medical bulletin issued by the hospital, Paudel’s health is normal following the surgery.

“[The President’s] prostate gland was removed using bipolar transurethral resection of prostate (TURP),” reads the bulletin. The bipolar TURP procedure is taken as the ‘gold standard’ treatment for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

“The President will remain under observation for 48 hours, which is a general procedure,” said Dr Ghanshyam Gurung, acting executive director at the hospital. “The surgery was planned.”

Paudel has been suffering from prostate problems for years and has been taking medicines for the past one-and-a-half decades.

Doctors say prostate problems in men are common problems, as most men suffer from the condition after reaching a certain age.

Since assuming office as President some 20 months ago, Paudel has been admitted to hospitals several times.

The 80-year-old President was earlier admitted at the same hospital on June 17 last year after experiencing chest-related complications.

He had been admitted to the Gangalal Hospital the same month after complaining of chest pain. Then he was admitted to the Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Centre for the same reason.

On June 20, he underwent heart surgery to have a pacemaker permanently implanted.

In April last year, the President had been admitted to TUTH twice after experiencing abdominal pain and shortness of breath.

He was also airlifted to India on April 19 last year and underwent treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi for 11 days.