New Zealand cricket great Sir Richard Hadlee will undergo further surgery after secondary cancer was discovered in his liver.
Sir Richard Hadlee with the Chapell-Hadlee trophy. Photo: Photosport
The former fast bowler had bowel cancer surgery last month after a routine colonoscopy in May uncovered the disease.
The operation went well, but on Monday a statement from Sir Richard's wife, Lady Dianne Hadlee, confirmed he required more surgery.
"This week, Richard will undergo further surgery after secondary cancer was discovered in his liver," the statement said.
"Medical advice is that it's still at a very early stage and is operable.
"Once he has recovered from the operation, Richard will undergo further chemotherapy treatment."
Sir Richard played 86 tests for New Zealand, taking 431 wickets - a world record at the time.
After his first surgery last month, Lady Dianne said the operation had gone "extremely well".
"As a safeguard, further treatment in the form of chemotherapy will commence shortly and last for a few months," her statement at the time said.
"It is expected that, in time, he will have a full recovery."
Lady Dianne said, as with the statement released after the first operation, they had chosen to disclose the details of Sir Richard's second surgery in the interests of transparency, to avoid speculation and gossip.
- RNZ
