R K Laxman undergoes surgery

The operation called “Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastronomy (PEG)” was performed on Laxman on Sunday placing another tube directly in the stomach to facilitate food intake, said Commandant General S S Panwar of the military Command hospital.

“He was extremely uncomfortable because of the nasal tube. It was therefore decided to change this and place a tube directly in the stomach by PEG,” Panwar told reporters.

He is now tolerating food, doctors said, adding Laxman would be discharged tomorrow (Tuesday).

The bed-ridden cartoonist and his wife Kamala were present at the press briefing at the hospital.

When asked how he was feeling, Laxman signed to reporters to convey that he was  feeling better. He also attempted a sketch.

“After his discharge from hospital, Laxman would undergo speech therapy,” Kamala said.