Corbett recovering from successful surgery

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett was recovering in Pittsburgh Monday night following successful spinal surgery that morning. The governor shifted power to Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley while he was under anesthesia, but resumed his duties before 11 a.m.

Surgeon Mark Fye of Allegheny General Hospital called Corbett’s prognosis “very good,” but says blood clots are the main concern going forward.

“The quicker that someone will become ambulatory, the better for that patient. We also started a mechanical pump on his calves on both sides. In his case, he is on aspirin prior to surgery, although his quit several days ago,” Fye said. “We will probably restart the aspirin, probably post-op day three. And that, in combination with ambulation the mechanical boots will help prevent a deep-vein thrombosis.”

Corbett underwent surgery to relieve spinal stenosis–a narrowing of the spinal cord.

His wife, Susan, said Corbett’s back pain flared up during the campaign, when he spent the bulk of his time traveling the state. Corbett stayed in the hospital Monday night, but planned to be back in Harrisburg by the end of the week.