Robin Gibb was "petrified" after doctors told him he had an hour to live earlier this year.

The former Bee Gees star has been suffering with ill health of late. He was recently hospitalised for reported liver cancer and has apparently been undergoing treatment for the disease for several months.

Before his diagnosis was reported, it was known that the 61-year-old singer had abdominal pain and inflammation of the colon. In an interview conducted before the cancer claims were made public, Robin discussed his terror after discovering his pain meant he needed immediate surgery.

"I told the surgeon, Hang on, I've only got cramp,'" he recalled in an interview with British newspaper The Daily Mail.

"But he said I'd actually got an intestinal blockage and it could be about to burst. The way he put it to me was blunt, The only way out for you, pal, is through the operating theatre.'

"I was petrified. I'd never been in hospital before. I had the op there and then and after three days felt a lot better."

Robin was unaware of his deteriorating health. The British star was relieved to discover his condition could be treated.

"All this time I'd thought it was wind cramps. But the surgeon said that was typical of the way it manifests," he explained.

"The blockage was so bad that he was surprised it hadn't burst the day before, but it was too dangerous to delay any longer. The relief was enormous, and afterwards I needed no painkillers. Not even an aspirin. I have a vegetarian diet, and a great appetite. Everything seemed to go back to normal."

Robin took to his blog this week to reassure fans of his recuperation. He also thanked his loyal supporters for their "prayers and good wishes."

"I have been very unwell and am now on the road to recovery," he posted on his personal website.

Robin was hospitalised in October after experiencing stomach pains, and consequently pulled out of several scheduled performances.