Former Taiwan People’s Party chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) was released from detention this morning to undergo an operation to remove a kidney stone at the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Taipei Hospital.
The ureteroscopy went smoothly and took 45 minutes, using laser lithotripsy to remove a stone 1cm by 0.5cm, the hospital said, adding that surgery was necessary, as it would have been difficult to pass on its own.
Ko’s kidney swelling has improved and his condition remains stable, although he is to be hospitalized until tomorrow for observation, it added.
Photo: CNA
His wife, Peggy Chen (陳珮琪), was present and expressed her gratitude to the medical team.
Chen, herself a physician, had repeatedly complained in recent days about the deterioration of her husband's health and insisted he needed professional medical care or the illness could result in irreversible damage.
Ko has been held at the Taipei Detention Center since September last year after being indicted for alleged embezzlement and corruption during his time as Taipei mayor linked to the Core Pacific City urban renewal project.
He made his first trial appearance on March 21.
Today marks the third time he has been temporarily released from detention to receive medical treatment for a health emergency due to his ongoing kidney issues and to attend his father’s funeral.
Ko has hydronephrosis, a condition in which the kidney swells and cannot drain urine due to a blockage.
Additional reporting by CNA
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