Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer on "24," which is broadcast on FOX. ©2009 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Brian Bowen Smith/FOX

Production has been shut down on 24 to allow the series lead actor, Kiefer Sutherland, to undergo surgery. The cause? A ruptured cyst near Sutherland’s kidney.

Production did continue, without the actor, up until Friday, but Fox and Sutherland decided he should have the minor elective surgery done now as a precaution rather than wait until the production wraps in six weeks.

We can all relax though. Sutherland should be back at work next week and according to Fox, no disruption in the broadcast is anticipated as a result of the actor’s medical procedure.

24 airs Mondays, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Fox.