Guitarist Leslie West undergoes amputation

Legendary guitarist Leslie West is recovering in a Biloxi hospital after having part of his leg amputated.

According to his rep, West had flown in to Mississippi to perform at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino with his band Mountain. On Saturday, his right leg began to swell. Because he is diabetic, he was rushed to the emergency room. Doctors told him an amputation was necessary to save his life.

His limb was removed up to the knee, says Steve Karas, West's publicist at SKH Music.

West, 65, is expected to fully recover, and faces extensive rehabilitation, says Karas. The family has requested that the public and media respect his privacy during this life-changing transition.

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