Roy Williams has surgery to remove kidney tumor

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — University of North Carolina coach Roy Williams underwent surgery Wednesday to remove a tumor from one of his kidneys.

University officials released a statement Wednesday afternoon saying that Williams underwent a roboticpartial nephrectomy at UNC Hospitals to remove the tumor in his right kidney.

The procedure took three and half hours and was performed by Dr. Eric Wallen, professor of urology at UNC, and co-surgeon Dr. Mathew Raynor.

The tumor was discovered during a physical earlier this month, school officials said.

"The surgery went well and according to plan," said Dr. Wallen. "Coach Williams did great. I fully expect him to coach this season and for years to come. He could miss some practice time if we perform another procedure sometime in October, but he would be able to resume his coaching duties prior to the start of the regular season."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Williams and his family for a full recovery," says UNC Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham. "Obviously his health and prognosis are my greatest concerns. He's in great hands with the medical staff at UNC Hospitals. The basketball team is also in outstanding hands with Steve Robinson, CB McGrath, Hubert Davis and Joe Holladay. As Coach Williams frequently says, he has the best staff in the country and I know they will do an excellent job as Coach Williams recuperates. We will be ready for his return as soon as he is able to do so, but I have stressed to him that he returns only when he has been given the medical approval and he is ready to do that. Hopefully that will be soon and for a long, long time to come."

Dr. Wallen said Williams should be back coaching the team on Saturday, Oct. 13.

Williams may have a second surgery to remove a tumor from his left kidney, school officials said.  That procedure would only take him out of a few practices, the release said.

Williams is entering his 10th season with the Tar Heels and has won two national championships with the team, 2005 and 2009.

WSOC