Doctors: PM's colonoscopy normal

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent a colonoscopy examination yesterday, at the Hadassah University Hospital in Ein Kerem, Jerusalem.

The premier's personal physician, Dr. Zvi Herman Berkowitz, said after the examination that the results were normal and nothing unusual was found. After two hours' rest, Netanyhu returned home. His office said that Netanyahu will be taking vacation during the Sukkot holiday at least until until Wednesday, and will return to work on Thursday and meet with special U.S. envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell.

Prior to the exam the prime minister began to make arrangements for the appointment of a replacement in case of an emergency. However, Attorney General Menachem Mazuz advised that, since the premier would be sedated, but not incapacitated per se, there was no need to appoint a stand-in. It was eventually decided that if the procedure should go awry, the government would decide on a replacement.

The colonoscopy was a follow-up to a procedure done some 18 months ago, in which a small polyp discovered in the prime minister's lower intestine was removed. The polyp was found to be benign, but Netanyahu was asked to come back for another exam. The procedure was carried out by Prof. Eran Goldin.

Netanyahu also underwent cystoscopy, an examination of the bladder, which was carried out by Dr. Dov Podeh, also of Hadassah Ein Kerem.

The prime minister's office said that some 30 years ago, Netanyahu was found to have a small polyp in his bladder, and although an examination 10 years ago failed to show any recurrence, there was a need for another cystoscopy yesterday.