Naomi Campbell hospitalized in Brazil (AP)

SAO PAULO, Brazil - Naomi Campbell was hospitalized in Sao Paulo for the removal of a small cyst, her publicist said Tuesday.

The 37-year-old British supermodel, a frequent visitor to Brazil who earlier this month celebrated Carnival in the northeastern city of Salvador, came to Sao Paulo to be treated by Brazilian doctors at this city's Sirio Libanes Hospital.

"Naomi Campbell was admitted to the hospital last night to have a small cyst removed," Jeff Raymond, Campbell's publicist, said in a statement. "Following the successful procedure, she is now resting and is looking forward to getting back to work. She would like to thank the doctors who have kindly looked after her."

Campbell underwent successful emergency abdominal surgery, gynecologist Jose Aristodemo Pinotti told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.

"I cannot reveal what Naomi had, nor how serious her condition was, but I can say I operated on her yesterday, that everything went smoothly and that she is completely cured and walking in her room," Pinotti said.

He described the procedure as a laparoscopy, in which doctors use a thin, lighted scope to view internal organs.

"She came to Brazil to be treated for a condition I am not been authorized to reveal," he said. He declined further comment.

The hospital said Campbell was admitted Sunday night and added that "the patient and her advisers have determined that the hospital's medical staff will not issue any formal or informal information on her medical condition."

The hospital said David Uip, one of Brazil's leading experts in the treatment of infectious diseases, was also caring for Campbell.