Bush Transfers Power For Colon Test

Updated:14:55, Saturday June 29, 2002

US President George W Bush is to be sedated for a routine colon test and will hand over power briefly to Vice-President Dick Cheney.

Mr Bush, 55, said he had no signs of illness but that a further test had been recommended when he last had a colonoscopy two years ago.

"I'm going to have a colonoscopy at Camp David, it is the third such procedure I've had," he said.

Benign polyps

"The doctor recommended I have another one because the last time they found some benign polyps and so this is a routine physical examination that will be done at Camp David."

The President said he wanted to be "super-cautious" about his health because the country is engaged in a war on terrorism. For security reasons he declined to say exactly what time the procedure would take place.

Under Section 3 of the 25th Amendment, Mr Bush will submit a declaration in writing to House and Senate leaders that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.

When the procedure is over and he has recovered from the sedative, he will declare that the he can resume his duties. The declarations will be faxed on Saturday.

Procedure

White House Counsel Al Gonzales said Mr Cheney would assume the duties of President "for a matter of hours."

He said the only other time this had been done was in 1985 when President Ronald Reagan underwent surgery for colon cancer.

Mr Bush's White House physician Dr Richard Tubb said the procedure usually takes from 30 to 45 minutes.

The President will be sedated intravenously with propofol, chosen because it is "ultra short acting" and wears off quickly.