Zurab Nogaideli will return to the ex-Soviet South Caucasus country later this week, and is expected back at work May 9, his press office said, adding that the 42-year-old premier is rapidly recuperating after the operation, performed April 19 at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Nogaideli was advised to undergo the surgery when he felt unwell during a week-long official visit to the U.S. According to Georgian television, he had one of his heart's mitral valves replaced.
"The prime minister feels fine after the heart surgery, and is ready to perform his duties [again]," a spokesperson said. "Doctors do not think he should abstain from work, although they do recommend that he try to avoid excessive strain."
The official added that Nogaideli would now have to visit the Houston clinic for biannual checkups.
