Seve Ballesteros on the mend after brain surgery

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER Updated: 08:57 EST, 29 October 2008

Seve Ballesteros' condition has improved as he remains in Madrid's La Paz hospital recovering from brain surgery.  

Ballesteros last week underwent a lengthy procedure to alleviate pressure on the brain caused by an edema and to remove remaining tumour tissues.  

A statement from the La Paz hospital on Wednesday said: 'The patient Mr Severiano Ballesteros has a favourable trend in his neurological status, but needs to be further controlled in the Intensive Care Unit.'  

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Getting better: Ballesteros is making good progress in his recovery

Ballesteros, the 51-year-old five-time major winner, was diagnosed with a tumour earlier this month and before Friday's surgery he had already undergone two operations - the second to reduce swelling on the brain.  

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the hospital confirmed Ballesteros had also had a tracheotomy to help him breathe.  

'It is true that he has a tracheotomy but, like many other procedures, it is customary and is part of the protocols established for similar cases,' the spokesperson said in a statement.