Israel's Ariel Sharon, in a coma since a January 4 stroke, underwent a successful operation to repair surgical damage to his skull on Wednesday, the hospital where he is being treated said.

Israel Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, seen here in December 2005. Doctors postponed an operation due to restore part of Sharon's skull after detecting a slight infection in his respiratory tract. [AFP]

Jerusalem's Hadassah hospital said in a statement that the incapacited prime minister was recovering in intensive care. The operation was originally scheduled for Tuesday but postponed due to a mild respiratory infection.

Sharon, 78, was replaced by interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert whose Kadima party emerged as the largest party in last week's Israeli general election. Olmert is expected to formally succeed Sharon as prime minister in the coming weeks.

Doctors have speculated that Sharon will be moved to a nursing home intended for long-term comatose patients requiring constant medical care.