AceShowbiz - The lead surgeon who performed three open-heart surgeries on Jimmy Kimmel's son Billy has provided an update on the boy's condition and recovery. Dr. Vaughn Starnes, the cardiac surgeon at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, described Billy's heart condition, Tetralogy of Fallot, as a "very severe form." Dr. Starnes explained that Billy had no connection between his right ventricle and that the surgery was life-saving.

Starnes revealed that Jimmy Kimmel was "a mess" emotionally before the surgery, while Billy's mother, Molly McNearney, was "a rock." Kimmel has been vocal about his son's heart condition since Billy's birth, when a nurse noticed a heart murmur and blue appearance.

After Billy's first open-heart surgery at three days old, he underwent a second surgery seven months later. Last month, Kimmel announced Billy's third surgery over Memorial Day weekend.

"This weekend, our boy Billy had his third (of three, we hope) open heart surgery," Kimmel wrote on Instagram. "We went into this experience with a lot of optimism and nearly as much fear and came out with a new valve inside a happy, healthy kid."

Dr. Starnes praised Billy's recovery, noting that the boy's activity level surprised him after the surgery. "I knew after putting a valve in there, he would improve. I didn't expect him to improve that fast," Starnes said. "It's the greatest joy that I have."

Kimmel expressed gratitude to the medical team and his family for their support. He also urged people to support organizations like Children's Hospital Los Angeles dedicated to helping children.

"There are so many parents and children who aren't fortunate enough to go home after five days. Please share your love, hearts and prayers with them," Kimmel said.