The cardiac bypass surgery carried out on Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella was a success, his spokesman told The Malta Independent today. Dr Vella is expected to be discharged from hospital later on today.

Dr Vella fell ill during a visit to China last month, where he suffered a mild heart attack. He was admitted to hospital there where he doctors inserted two stents into his heart.

On his return to Malta Dr Vella underwent some tests and doctors were of the advice that he should do bypass surgery.

He is expected to take a few days of rest after the procedure.