Comedian Robin Williams is recovering well after successful heart surgery and his doctors say he was making them laugh hours after the operation.

"Mr. Williams' operation went extremely well and we expect him to make a full recovery," said surgeon A. Marc Gillinov, about the 57-year-old funnyman's surgery March 13 at the world renowned Cleveland Clinic. The three-and-a-half-hour operation was conducted to replace an aortic valve, repair a mitral valve and correct an irregular heartbeat.

"His heart is strong and he will have normal heart function in the coming weeks with no limitations on what he'll be able to do," Gillinov said. He added: "A couple of hours after surgery, he was entertaining the medical team and making us all laugh."

The Oscar-winning actor thanked his medical team as well as the public in a statement: "I can't thank them [doctors] enough for their kindness and dedication while I was in their care. I must also thank all the people who have expressed their love and concern for me. I have been deeply touched by their support."

Williams joked that the experience will be integrated into his one-man comedy show, which he had to interrupt due to his illness, but plans to resume in the fall. "I got some great new material for the tour and can't wait to get back on the road. I'm thinking the next leg of the tour will be 'Weapons of Self-Destruction and Reconstruction!'"