Silvio Berlusconi Reported in Good Condition After Facial Surgery

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was in good condition today following a four-hour operation to repair damage to his jaw and teeth that he suffered in 2009 when a man threw a statuette at him.

The 74-year-old was under general anesthesia for the operation in Milan, news agencies reported.

Berlusconi "underwent a maxillofacial operation with bone transplant and implant," his doctor, Alberto Zangrillo, said in a statement released by the prime minister's office. He was in good condition, his doctor said, and was recovering at his villa outside Milan, Agence France-Presse reported. Berlusconi could be back to work by Thursday, when a key Cabinet meeting is scheduled.

The operation led Berlusconi to cancel a meeting on Tuesday with Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

Berlusconi in good condition after face operation

Luca Bruno, AP

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi waves as he arrives at his home after being attacked by a mentally ill man at a political rally in 2009. Berlusconi underwent facial surgery for four hours Monday to repair damage he suffered in the attack.

The prime minister was hit at close range on Dec. 13, 2009, with a mini-replica of Milan's gothic cathedral toward the end of a political rally, leaving him with a broken nose and two broken teeth, The Associated Press reported. He was taken to a hospital afterward.

Today's operation "became necessary to restore the anatomy and jaw function that had been gravely compromised" in the attack, the AP said, citing the statement.

The accused attacker, Massimo Tartaglia, was determined to be unfit to stand trial on charges of aggravated assault, the BBC said. A judge said that Tartaglia was unaware of his actions.

Tartaglia was ordered to remain under observation for another year in a psychiatric hospital, the BBC said. He had a history of psychological problems, according to the AP.