Ko Wen-je Undergoes Successful Kidney Stone Surgery Amidst Legal Battles

Former Taipei Mayor and Presidential Candidate Receives Medical Treatment While Detained

Taipei, Taiwan - Former Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), currently detained and facing corruption charges, successfully underwent surgery to remove a kidney stone on Wednesday, as confirmed by Taipei Hospital.

The 65-year-old Ko, escorted by personnel from the Taipei Detention Center, arrived at the hospital at approximately 7 a.m. for pre-operative preparations. The hospital's statement indicated that doctors removed a single, small kidney stone via laser surgery, a procedure that lasted about 45 minutes.

Hospital sources revealed that the stone measured 1 x 0.5 cm, a size unlikely to pass naturally, necessitating the surgical intervention. The hospital reported the surgery as successful, noting a significant improvement in Ko's hydronephrosis.

Ko was transferred to a recovery room at 10:23 a.m. following the procedure. He had recently been experiencing hydronephrosis, a condition characterized by urine buildup in the kidneys, sometimes caused by urinary tract blockages.

Chen Pei-chi (陳佩琪), Ko's wife and a physician herself, had recently voiced concerns about her husband's health, emphasizing the need for professional medical care to prevent potential irreversible damage.

Following the surgery, Chen expressed her gratitude to the hospital. Doctors recommended a one-to-two-night hospital stay for observation, but Ko opted for a single night's stay. A double J tube was inserted to assist with urination, which will remain in place for about five days, according to the hospital. Medications were prescribed, and a follow-up check schedule was established.

Prior to the surgery, on March 30, Ko was granted a brief leave from the detention center for off-site medical treatment after reporting feeling unwell. He was returned to the detention center the same day, as his condition was deemed "stable." Earlier, on March 10, he was allowed to attend the funeral of his father, Ko Cheng-fa (柯承發), in Hsinchu.

Ko, who has been detained since September 2024, was indicted in December on bribery, embezzlement, and breach of trust charges related to his tenure as Taipei mayor (2018-2022) and his 2024 presidential campaign. Ko denies all charges and made his initial court appearance on March 21.