Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk, already in therapy for a stroke that sidelined him last year, had his gall bladder removed Monday, staffers said.
Officials at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital told the Associated Press that Kirk underwent a "minimally invasive" procedure that took 30 minutes. There were no complications.
"Sen. Kirk today underwent successful surgery to remove his gall bladder & is resting comfortably. Thx for well wishes," read a message posted to the junior senator's Twitter account.
Kirk spokesman Lance Trover said the senator will miss votes in Washington this week before Congress breaks for holiday recess. Trover says these are the first votes Kirk has missed since his return.
The Highland Park Republican suffered an ischemic stroke in January 2012 and has since become an advocate for improved care for stroke patients.
His therapy at the Rehabilitation Center of Chicago also led to a pen pal relationship with an 11-year-old boy.
