Op to cure digestive problems

John Cleese it to undergo surgery on his digestive system.

The 65-year-old comic has developed a condition called diverticulitis, which has symptoms similar to appendicitis.

It is caused when bulging pouches that many over-60s develop in their digestive tracts become inflamed. The standard treatment is for the affected part of the intestine to be removed, and the healthy segments reconnected.

An email sent to fans who subscribe to Cleese’s official website said: ‘In case any of you have noticed that things have gone a bit quiet in the last few days, it is because the old man has decided to have some surgery to cure some digestive problems he’s been having.

‘Although the main reason for this is rooted in his gluttony, he has also contracted a condition called diverticliosis - diverticulas are little pockets in the colon, which can catch tomato seeds and bits of nut, leading to inflammation, known as diverticulitis.

‘The cure is to have the bit of the gut that has all the little pockets cut out.  And a very nice surgeon (his Parkinson’s is only in an early stage) will be doing this.  

‘The old man will have to rest up afterwards because the very nice surgeon has to go in through the stomach wall.’

Cleese, who lives in Santa Barbara, California, is scheduled to tour New Zealand later this year, which fans hope will herald a new run of live dates.

Comic and Jerry Springer: The Opera co-creator Stewart Lee suffered the same condition earlier this year, as he mentions in hi s current Edinburgh show, although he is only 37.

Published: 14 Aug 2005