Nintendo President Has Surgery to Remove "Bile Duct Growth"

The nature of Nintendo president Satoru Iwata's health issue is now known. In a post on the company's website today, Iwata revealed that he recently underwent surgery to remove a "bile duct growth," and that as a result, he'll need to miss this month's annual shareholders meeting.

"Recently, as the result of one of my routine physical examinations, an issue was detected. Following a more detailed examination, a growth was found in my bile duct," Iwata said. "In general, it is said that a bile duct growth can be difficult-to-treat, partly because of the difficulty of detecting it early. In my case, luckily, it was detected very early and I had no symptoms."

"I was counseled that removal at an early stage would be the desirable medical option. Therefore I had surgery last week, and I came through it well, as predicted," he added.

Iwata has already resumed working by email and "other means," he said. However, it's going to take "a little more time" until he is able to return to his normal work schedule, he said. He's already missed E3, and he won't be able to attend this month's shareholder meeting either.

"As the president of the company, I regret that I cannot attend the meeting," Iwata said. "However, I understand that I have to prioritize my medical treatment and to recover as soon as possible so that I will again be able to do my best to help the company to grow. I hope that you understand."