Tonga King has Cancerous Kidney Removed in LA

Tongan King George Tupou V has undergone successful surgery in Los Angeles to remove his right kidney after a "significant" tumor was found, local reports said Thursday.

The Pacific island monarch went under the knife at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and is expected to return home on Saturday, the Mantangi Tonga website said, adding that the operation took place last month.

"The king has made a good recovery following that procedure and will return to Los Angeles in a few weeks' time for follow-up consultations," his private secretary David Dunkley said.

He said the king's right kidney was removed after it was found to contain "a significant tumor.”

Dunkley added that the king would first fly to Auckland on Friday where he hoped to see the Tongan rugby team ahead of their World Cup opener against New Zealand, but would not stay for the match.