Ella Fitzgerald Has Surgery on Swollen Foot

Jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald underwent surgery Wednesday to remove bone particles from a foot swollen by diabetes, hospital officials said.

Fitzgerald, 69, was listed in fair condition at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center following the surgery, a procedure described as minor by hospital spokesman Ron Wise.

“There were some particles in her right foot that required being removed,” Wise said. “It was not a major thing. She was back in her room within an hour after the surgery.”

The singer entered the hospital in August after her foot began to swell, a condition brought on by diabetes that can, in severe cases, result in loss of circulation and possibly amputation.

Her doctor attempted to treat the condition with medication but decided that surgery was necessary when the singer’s condition did not improve, Wise said.

In its most chronic form, diabetes is characterized by an insulin deficiency and an inability by the body to metabolize sugar in the blood.

Fitzgerald underwent open-heart surgery at the same hospital last year and only returned to performing within the last three months.

She made a headlining appearance at New York’s JVC Jazz Festival on June 24 and performed at Hollywood Bowl in July.

The grande dame of jazz has sold more than 30 million records and won eight Grammy Awards in her career, which began when she won an amateur talent contest at age 16.

By her 18th birthday she had already recorded “Goodnight, My Love” with Benny Goodman, then became a national sensation with her famous recording of “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” with the Chick Webb orchestra.