Jenny Sanford undergoes hysterectomy

First lady Jenny Sanford is recovering in a Charleston hospital after a Wednesday morning hysterectomy.

Gov. Mark Sanford was at the undisclosed hospital when his wife had the surgery, spokesman Will Folks said.

Folks would not say why Sanford, 41, had the operation except that it was planned. He and others in the first lady’s office said she does not have cancer.

“The doctor indicated the procedure was a complete success,” Folks said. “She is predicted to make a full and normal recovery. She’ll probably be out of action for at least a couple of weeks.”

The Sanfords have four boys. “The kids are fine,” Folks said.

A hysterectomy is surgery to remove a woman’s uterus. According to WebMD.com, it is the second most common surgical procedure for women — more than 600,000 women have the operation each year.

Health issues have been important to Jenny Sanford, who has been outspoken on the need for cancer research and for reducing obesity among children. Her work helped inspire the governor’s bike ride across the state earlier this year, Folks said.

Reach Talhelm at (803) 771-8339 or jtalhelm@thestate.com.The Associated Press contributed to this report