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Brian Bakst

Dayton's prostate surgery at Mayo Clinic goes as planned

Gov. Dayton laughs at a remark.
Gov. Mark Dayton laughs at a remark form Comissioner Myron Frans before taking the podium to address questions about the budget and his health, including an announcement that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer inside the Capitol on Jan. 24.
Evan Frost | MPR News

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Gov. Mark Dayton was said to be resting comfortably Thursday at the Mayo Clinic after prostate surgery.

Dayton Deputy Chief of Staff Linden Zakula issued a statement saying the procedure had concluded before noon and "went as planned."

"As he recovers, he will be joined by his family and remain at the hospital overnight," Zakula said.

Dayton was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January, just before he turned 70 years old. He opted to have his prostate gland removed rather than undergo radiation.

He has said he hopes to return to work early next week.

Dayton's well-being was on the minds of state lawmakers, some of whom wished him well over social media.

Senate chaplain Mike Smith devoted his opening prayer to Dayton.

"We thank you for the medical staff. The quality of surgeons that are taking care of him. But we know our trust is with you so we put him in your hands, even now at this moment. We ask for a successful surgery."

Last month, Dayton publicly acknowledged his prostate cancer but said his doctors had assured him that the cancer had not spread and his condition was curable. He said he remained up to doing the job of being governor and planned to finish his term, which ends in a little less than two years.

His admission came the day after Dayton fainted and collapsed during his State of the State address at the Capitol. His doctors attributed the collapse to standing for a long time while giving his speech and possible dehydration, and that it was not related to his prostate cancer.