Kirk Has More Brain Surgery Tuesday

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Highland Park, continues to be listed in good condition after surgery Tuesday morning to reattach the portion of his skull that was removed after his stroke on Jan. 21, according to a statement from Dr. Richard Fessler, the neurosurgeon treating the senator at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

“This is an important milestone in his recovery and a step toward the next phase, rehabilitation,” Dr. Fessler said. “He remains in good condition.”

• See related story: Doctor Upgrades Kirk to Good Condition

Doctors performed the  when they removed a 4- by 8-inch piece of Kirk’s skull to relieve swelling in his brain, according to statements from the senator’s office.

Since having the stroke Jan. 21, Kirk has undergone two operations to relieve swelling in his brain. . Both surgeries were successful and Fessler has been pleased with the continual progress. 

On Feb. 1, to accommodate the swelling, according to Fessler.

On Jan. 29,  who brought Kirk cards from his colleagues, magazines and some work to do, according to a statement from the senator’s office.

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Kirk checked himself into Lake Forest Hospital on Jan. 21, where doctors discovered a carotid artery dissection in the right side of his neck, according to a release issued Monday by Kirk’s office. He was transferred to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where further tests revealed that he had suffered an ischemic stroke.