Drug-resistant Tuberculosis Patient Andrew Speaker Elects to Have Surgery

After consultation with his physicians, drug-resistant tuberculosis patient Andrew Speaker has elected to undergo surgery July 17, 2007,  to remove diseased and damaged tissue in his lung. The surgery is a complement to the antibiotic therapy he is currently undergoing, and improves chances that Mr. Speaker will enjoy a complete and long-term cure from the disease. For details about the type of surgery planned, please see a previous press release.

John D. Mitchell, MD, Chief of General Thoracic Surgery at the University of Colorado Hospital, will perform the surgery Tuesday morning at the University of Colorado Hospital.  No further information will be available prior to the surgery.

Future inquiries about the surgery should be addressed to the Office of Public Relations at the University of Colorado Hospital at 303-724-1520.