Madonna gyrates to a hernia

With all those limb-twisting gyrations - and at the age of 47 - some might say it was an injury waiting to happen.

Although she appeared in top shape performing at the Grammy awards just over a week ago, Madonna had a hernia operation shortly after the event.

According to an American newspaper yesterday, the singer - one of pop's fittest stars - checked into the Cedars Sinai hospital in Los Angeles for the procedure.

And sources say that when she was discharged a few hours later, she was 'pale and had no appetite'.

British hernia specialists say patients should feel fine within hours of the operation.

But the New York Post reported that Madonna still did not appear herself when, a few days later, she went to the Kaballah Centre in Los Angeles.

'She didn't eat anything and did not lead the prayers after dinner, as she usually does when she comes,' said a source. 'She was unusually quiet.'

But the star appeared to have recovered in time for the Brit awards last night, where she was to present the award for the best British album.

Hernias can occur in people of all ages, including newborn babies.

But they become more common the older you get and also often affect people who do an excessive amount of lifting and straining.

'The hernia operation is the most common operation in the world,' said Dudley Rogg, clinical director of the British Hernia Centre.

A hernia, which is normally in the lower abdominal wall, occurs because the stomach muscle is full of natural weaknesses.

In some cases part of the intestine or stomach will bulge through the hole and form a lump under the skin.