Roma defender Leandro Castan will remain in intensive care for the next 24 hours after undergoing neurosurgery in the Italian capital on Wednesday morning.
The operation to remove a cavernoma [a cluster of abnormal blood vessels] from the Brazilian player's brain lasted three-and-a-half hours, after which the player was awoken and told that the surgery had been successful.
However, the 28-year-old will be monitored for the next 24 hours in a Rome clinic before further information over his recovery time will be issued. He is not expected to be able to play football again for up to eight months.
"Leandro Castan underwent neurosurgery this morning to remove the cavernoma discovered after the player complained of acute dizziness during a match," read a statement on the Serie A club's website. "The operation, which began at 8:30 am and finished at 12 pm, was carried out using a surgical microscope and neuronavigator, whilst the player's neurophysiological activity was constantly monitored.
"The cavernoma itself, which measured 3 cm, was completely removed. This was confirmed by an MRI scan carried out immediately after the operation.
"Castan has now woken up and is breathing unaided, and has been informed of the operation's successful outcome. He will remain in intensive care for the next 24 hours, after which a prognosis will be formed."
The malformation of the brain was discovered after Castan reported dizziness at half-time of September's Serie A clash with Empoli. Tests were carried out earlier this month, leading to Wednesday's operation which should ensure Castan is able to continue his playing career.