TOKYO (AFP) - Olympic and world champion Yuzuru Hanyu will remain off the ice for six weeks after going through surgery for abdominal pain, the Japanese media said on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old had the operation on Tuesday for what was diagnosed as a urachal remnant, which caused him intermittent abdominal pain, according to the media, including Sports Nippon.

He will remain hospitalised for two weeks, followed by a month-long period of rest, the Japan Skating Federation said.

Two weeks ago, Hanyu comfortably retained his ISU Grand Prix Final title in Barcelona, but he was already feeling pain there, according to Sports Nippon.

After returning home on Dec 16, he consulted a doctor and decided to have the surgery after winning the national championship last weekend.

The Sochi Olympic gold medallist will hope to recover in time to defend his world championship in March in Shanghai.

In November, Hanyu was injured in a collision during a warm-up for the Cup of China in Shanghai.

He was left bleeding from the head and needed stitches in his jaw after smashing into China's Yan Han, while both of them were skating backwards to wind up for jumps.