Indonesia's 'Tree Man' goes home after wart surgery

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

JAKARTA (AFP) — An Indonesian villager dubbed "Tree Man" for massive bark-like warts on his body returned home Monday after doctors removed six kilograms (13.2 pounds) of the growths.

Dede, a 37-year-old from rural West Java, was taken home from Bandung city after nine months of operations to remove the woody growths that had smothered his hands and feet, doctor Rahmat Winata said.

He said he hoped to return to normal life and find a new wife after decades burdened by the root-like growths, which had left him unable to move and work except in a travelling "freak show".

"Now I can live with my children... I can move and go anywhere," Dede told AFP via telephone from his village.

"I haven't got any plans to get married yet, but I would like to."...