Ken Doherty issues message to fans and shares photo from hospital bed after emergency surgery

The former World Snooker Champion was admitted to hospital earlier this week after complaining of being in 'unbearable pain'.

The Ranelagh native disclosed that he began experiencing severe pain in his belly button area earlier this week and admitted himself into hospital after becoming increasingly concerned.

He certainly made the right decision, as doctors quickly diagnosed him with an umbilical hernia and sent him in for emergency surgery.

Luckily, the surgery was a success and Doherty updated his fans with a selfie from his hospital bed along with the caption: "All ok thanks! Had an umbilical hernia today but all went well thankfully."

He added: "I want to thank all the staff in the Mater Private Hospital for all their care and assistance today. No snooker, golf or laughing. Don’t know how I will cope!"

Fellow snooker legend Stephen Hendry commented on Doherty's social media post, writing: "If you need tips on no laughing let me know."

Former Republic of Ireland and Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given assured him: "You’ll be back up on your feet in no time."

Speaking to the Irish Mirror, Doherty explained: "I was in agony, the pain was unreal. I knew I might have a hernia problem because there was something protruding from my belly button."

"But over the last week the pain just became unbearable and I knew I had to get to hospital quick," he added.

"Thankfully the surgeon did an amazing job, but I'm pretty sore now. It's going to take me a few weeks to recover.

"I'm staying at my sisters for the next couple of weeks, but I feel sorry for them because they're already bored of my jokes."

The 55-year-old had been preparing to take on Scotland's Ross Muir in the opening round of qualifying for the Scottish Open, scheduled for next Monday.

However, the six-time ranking event champion has had to withdraw from the competition as he sets out on the road to recovery.