Head of surgery at Madrid's Gregorio Maranon Hospital, Dr. Jose Luis Garcia Sebrido, examined Fidel Castro in Havana in December

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A Spanish doctor says ailing Cuban President Fidel Castro is making a "slow but progressive" recovery from intestinal surgery.

Dr. Jose Luis Garcia Sebrido, the head of surgery at Madrid's Gregorio Maranon Hospital, examined Mr. Castro in Havana in December. The 80-year-old Cuban leader has not been seen in public since undergoing surgery last July.

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Garcia Sebrido tells Reuters the Cuban leader's condition is serious because of his advanced age, but adds that he could return to his normal activities if he makes a full recovery.

The Spanish newspaper El Pais reported on Wednesday that Mr. Castro suffered serious complications because he chose to undergo a risky surgical procedure. Garcia Sebrido says the report is untrue.

The Cuban government treats Mr. Castro's health as a state secret.