U.S. Sen. Kirk Undergoes Gallbladder Surgery

Senator Mark Kirk has had his gallbladder removed.  His office said he underwent successful surgery Monday.

The Highland Park Republican's office released a statement saying Kirk experienced stomach pains over the weekend and doctors determined he had gallstones, and underwent surgery.
 
The 54-year-old Kirk returned to Congress last year after suffering a stroke in January 2012 that left him partially paralyzed on his left side.

Kirk spokesman Lance Trover says the senator will miss votes in Washington this week before Congress breaks for holiday recess.

Trover says these are the first votes Kirk has missed since his return.
 
A spokeswoman at Northwestern Memorial Hospital told The Associated Press that the senator was resting comfortably early Monday afternoon.