Watch CBS News

Gov. Corbett Scheduled For Spinal Surgery On Monday

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - Pennsylvania governor Tom Corbett is scheduled to undergo what his office calls "routine" back surgery next week.

Kevin Harley, Corbett's spokesman, says the governor will have surgery on Monday morning at Allegheny General Hospital, in Pittsburgh.

"It's a condition known as spinal stenosis, which is a very common problem that many, many people have with their backs -– which is essentially, in layman's terms, it's just that the disk is going into the spinal cord," Harley said today.  "And he's going to get surgery to correct that."

During the time Corbett is under general anesthesia, Lt. Governor Jim Cawley will be acting governor.

Harley says Gov. Corbett will have to remain in the hospital for one or two days, and then will spend another day or two recuperating at his home in suburban Pittsburgh, with an anticipated return to Harrisburg later next week.

The administration says Corbett underwent a series of tests prior to the surgery and is otherwise deemed to be in excellent health.

Reported by KYW Harrisburg Bureau chief Tony Romeo

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.