Hastert Leaves Hospital

U.S. House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert left the hospital Tuesday after undergoing a routine procedure as part of a follow-up to his treatment for kidney stones.

A cystoscopy was administered Monday at Rush-Copley Medical Center to remove remaining kidney stone fragments from his system, Hastert spokesman John McGovern said. He said Hastert, R-Ill., received a general anesthetic and the procedure lasted 30 minutes.

Hastert underwent a similar procedure for kidney stones at the same hospital in February.

McGovern said Hastert would rest at home for a day but leave for Washington before week's end.

The Illinois Republican is scheduled to join other members of Congress on a fact-finding mission to several African nations Friday.