WARSAW, Poland -- Doctors said they successfully operated on Polish Health Minister Zbigniew Religa to remove cancer from his left lung, Polish Radio said Thursday.

Following the three-hour operation, doctors quoted Religa as saying he hoped to be back in his office within the next 10 days, the radio reported.

The news about Religa's cancer and an imminent surgery was broken by Polish Radio Wednesday.

He told reporters the cancer was in its initial stage and chances for full recovery were nearly 100 percent.

Religa said he would not resign his post of health minister as it would mean avoiding responsibility at the time when doctors in about 200 state-run hospitals across Poland are on strike demanding higher pay.

Striking doctors, in the 11th day of their protest, are treating only emergency cases.

Copyright © 2007, by United Press International. All Rights Reserved.