Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (Creative Commons).

Chavez, 58, announced he had cancer in June 2011 but hasn’t disclosed what type of cancer he has. 

Vice President Nicolas Maduro addressed Chavez’s health on national television. Chavez faces a “complex and difficult” recovery after the six-hour surgery, Maduro said. CNN reported that Maduro’s voice cracked as he asked Venezuelans to remain united and pray for Chavez. 

"This process of recuperation ... will require a prudent time, as a result of the complexity of the surgical procedure, and also because of complications that came up in the surgery, when bleeding presented itself, requiring the adoption of corrective measures to permit its proper control," Information Minister Ernesto Villegas said in a televised address, CNN reported.

According to Reuters, Tuesday’s surgery was Chavez’s fourth since announcing he has cancer. He claimed to be cured earlier this year and campaigned for re-election in October.

Villegas said Chavez is in “a progressive and favorable recovery of normal vital signs,” but wouldn’t provide further details. 

From CNN: 

Later, the information minister said Venezuelans "should be prepared to understand" if Chavez doesn't return to Venezuela before January 10, when he is scheduled to be inaugurated for a new term as president.

Chavez won re-election for a new six-year term two months ago. He took office in 1999. 

Reuters reported that Chavez anointed Maduro on Saturday as his heir apparent if he had to step down. Venezuela’s constitution states that if Chavez is unable to start his new term or has to step down, an election must be held within 30 days. 

Read more of Neon Tommy’s coverage on Hugo Chavez here.

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