Kissinger Released From MGH Following Open Heart Surgery

Former secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger '50 was discharged yesterday from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) two weeks after undergoing open heart surgery. Kissinger said he felt "in few shape and in great spirits."

Describing Kissinger's post-operative recovery as "routine" and "straightforward," Dr. Roman DeSanctis, chief of cardiac serious at MGM, said yesterday, "Any Complications are unexpected. His heart achieved beautifully after the operation."

DeSanctis cautioned, however, that bypass surgery--the kind Kissinger had--does not prevent hardening of the arteries, a frequent postoperative complication. The first year following the operation is the crucial period in determining how the arteries react to the bypass operation, he added.

Kissinger has a driving, competitive per, suddenly, which to the past has been somewhat associated with hardening of the arteries, DeSanctis added.

Kissinger said yesterday that he felt fine but still had some pain in his surgical wound, adding. "I need more sleep than my normal four to five hours."

MGH doctors have put Kissinger on a diet and exercise program. So far, Kissinger--who weighed about 200 pounds when he entered MGH--has lost 10 pounds and is expected to lose 20 more, Desanctis added.

At a press conference yesterday, the 50 year, old diplomat expressed his thanks for the "flood of letters, telegrams and notes."

Kissinger received phone calls from President Reagan and former Presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter.

After spending served days in New York and that convalescing in Palm Springs. Kissinger will return to MGH is a few months to have some tests run, including an exercise tests, DeSanctis said.

About 10 percent of bypass patients return for a second bypass operation, the doctor added.