Ballesteros stable after brain surgery

Oct 15, 2008 - 2:45 PM MADRID, Spain (Ticker) -- Seve Ballesteros was listed in "conscious and stable" condition at a Madrid hospital Wednesday, one day after having surgery to remove a tumor from his brain.

The 12-hour operation was performed at La Paz Hospital and had no complications, according to a statement from the hospital.

The hospital did not reveal if the entire tumor had been removed and have yet to determine if it is benign or malignant.

"At present, Severiano Ballesteros is conscious and in a stable condition, although he will not be able to receive visits in the next few days until he recovers from the surgical process," the hospital's statement said. "The next medical report will be given when the patient moves to the ward, which will probably be next week."

A biopsy had been scheduled on the tumor, which was discovered last week after Ballesteros collapsed at Madrid Airport, but doctors decided to operate on the two-time Masters champion.

Ballesteros, 51, collapsed at Madrid Airport last week and was in intensive care for five days, with doctors releasing a statement saying that he had suffered "a partial epileptic fit."

A five-time major winner, Ballesteros underwent a number of tests over the weekend and, after informing his family, confirmed his condition in a statement on Sunday.

There had been concerns over Ballesteros' health since he retired in 2007. Doctors discovered an irregular heartbeat when he was hospitalized last year, while persistent back problems led to his retirement following a brief comeback.

Ballesteros' outstanding career was highlighted by titles at Augusta in 1980 and 1983. The Spaniard also won the British Open in 1979, 1984 and 1988.