Ricardo Martinelli in Surgery Friday in Colombia for a Hernia Operation

Representative Luis Eduardo Camacho to the right, and lawyer Jessica Canto on the left, close associates of the former president in the center, are accompanying him during the proceedings.

According to Martinelli himself, accompanied by friends, he expects a great improvement in his health after this surgery.  Former President Ricardo Martinelli, 73, will undergo surgery Friday at a Colombian medical center to treat a hernia that has affected his health since before his asylum application.  Lawyer Jessica Canto and Representative Luis Eduardo Camacho were both seen talking with Martinelli moments before he entered the operating room.