American Notes the President

In the midst of the most severe crisis of his presidency, Ronald Reagan must confront the wear and tear of age on his body. On Jan. 4 the President will enter Bethesda Naval Hospital for prostate surgery. Reagan, 75, suffers from an ailment common to men over 50: uncomfortable pressure on the urinary tract from an enlarged prostate gland. Reagan will also receive a colonoscopy to track his recovery from his 1985 cancer operation.

The prostate procedure is considered low risk. The President will remain conscious, requiring only a local anesthetic. The surgery involves no major cutting, and he should be out of the hospital in three or four days. Tissue removed during the operation will be routinely tested for cancer. Malignancies are sometimes found in the prostate, but they are slow growing and not a significant threat to health.