Acting N.L. premier Kathy Dunderdale confirmed Thursday that Danny Williams is recovering from heart surgery in the U.S. (CBC)

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams is out of surgery and recovering at an undisclosed medical facility in the United States.

"The premier did have his procedure today [Thursday]. His prognosis is extremely good," said acting premier Kathy Dunderdale.

She would not give more details on the type of heart surgery Williams received but described it as the "preferred procedure."

"The next 24 hours will be critical so he will be remaining in intensive care during that time," she said.

Dunderdale also commented on the questions that have been raised about Williams's decision to travel to the United States for surgery.

'Great deal of angst'

"You forgo a lot of privacy when you put your hand up to do this job but there are certain areas of your life that are sacrosanct," she said.

"Any kind of heart surgery brings with it a great deal of angst and to have to deal with the debate and the ferocity of the debate and the invasion of privacy during this time has been particularly difficult."

Williams is expected to recover more quickly than the three to 12 weeks predicted earlier this week.

Dunderdale said he should be back at work in early March.

"Given what I know of the premier, he'll be chafing at the bit to get back to work. The challenge for all of us will be getting him to slow down."