Graham being treated at Jacksonville Mayo Clinic

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Evangelist Billy Graham was to have surgery Friday at the Mayo Clinic-Jacksonville to relieve symptoms of his sinus infection and bronchitis.

Doctors were to remove the bony portions that make up the openings of the affected sinuses during the two-hour procedure. The surgery was to be performed under general anesthesia.

"It helps restore the normal functioning of the nose and sinuses and prevents them from becoming easily blocked or inflamed," said Dr. David Pearson, a facial plastic surgeon who will perform the surgery.

"We know that by improving the condition of the nose and sinuses, we may improve the condition of the patient's lungs as well," Pearson said.

Surgery is common for patients with chronic sinus infections and a predisposition to bronchitis who have not responded well to medications.

Doctors said Graham is expected to be released from the hospital on Saturday and will be able to convalesce at home after a day at the hospital.

A. Larry Ross, a Graham spokesman, did not immediately return a phone message.

Since November, Graham has suffered from recurring bouts of sinus and bronchial infections.

During his regular checkup Wednesday, Graham's doctors placed a tiny tube in his right eardrum to relieve pressure caused by fluid buildup in his inner ear. Doctors said the problem caused his temporary hearing loss.

Mayo Clinic is a satellite clinic of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. It includes 312 physicians working in more than 40 specialties to provide diagnosis, treatment and surgery.