Melania Trump undergoes kidney surgery at Walter Reed Medical Center Washington DC

US First Lady Melania Trump underwent kidney surgery on Monday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center near Washington, DC.

The First Lady's office announced on Monday that Ms Trump underwent an embolization procedure, likely to remove a cyst from her kidney. Ms Trump had been experiencing an issue with her kidney that her office described as benign but requiring medical attention.

Trump, who turned 48 last month, entered Walter Reed in nearby Bethesda, Maryland, on

Monday morning and is expected to remain hospitalized for several days following the operation, according to the statement from her communications director, Stephanie Grisham.

The statement reads: "This morning, First Lady Melania Trump underwent an embolization procedure to treat a benign kidney condition. 

"The procedure was successful and there were no complications. Mrs. Trump is at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and will likely remain there for the duration of the week."

"The First Lady looks forward to a full recovery so she can continue her work on behalf of children everywhere," Stephanie Grisham added, in reference to Melania's recently launched campaign.

The statement was released after the surgery was completed. President Donald Trump remained in the White House during Melania Trump’s surgery. A senior administration official told ABC News Trump spoke to his wife before the procedure and talked to her doctor afterward.

Melania Trump is the first US first lady to undergo such a serious medical procedure while in the White House since Nancy Reagan had a mastectomy in October 1987 while her husband was in office.