Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen was receiving treatment in intensive care at an Omaha hospital after a medical procedure to address a spleen injury caused by a fall from a horse.
The governor’s condition was reported to be stable, with medical professionals noting a positive outlook despite sustaining seven fractured ribs, a partially collapsed lung, a minor vertebral fracture, and a small kidney injury that is anticipated to heal without intervention. Pillen was expected to move out of intensive care later on Monday, though he would remain hospitalized at the Nebraska Medical Center for at least another day.
At 68 years old, Pillen underwent a minimally invasive technique known as prophylactic embolization to treat his spleen injury. This procedure involved inserting a wire into the arteries near the spleen and placing coils to stem the bleeding, explained Dr. Hillman Terzian, a trauma surgeon at Nebraska Medicine.
Dr. Terzian stated that the procedure was successful and that the governor has remained stable throughout. While sedated, the operation lasted less than an hour, during which Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly temporarily took over the duties of the governor.
Fortunately, there was no damage to Pillen’s nervous system, and he exhibited no signs of head or neck injuries, nor any spinal canal damage. Dr. Terzian remarked on Pillen’s determination, noting that he has been motivated to get out of bed and has already begun walking laps, which he described as “very impressive.”
According to Dr. Terzian, it is standard for patients of Pillen’s age with similar injuries to be placed in intensive care. He expressed optimism regarding the governor’s recovery.
“While we don’t expect anyone with his injuries to be back on their feet and running a marathon immediately, we like to see them out of bed and demonstrating the ability to pick up small objects,” said Terzian.
The current priority for the medical team is to manage Pillen’s pain effectively, Dr. Charity Evans noted. There are no scheduled surgeries at this time, although the medical team has various options available for managing his rib fractures.
Governor Pillen has made arrangements to continue working while in recovery at the hospital. His office conveyed that his injuries, while serious, are not life-threatening and could have been more severe.
Pillen first assumed the governor’s office after winning the 2022 election. His office previously indicated he was horseback riding with family when he suffered the fall and subsequent injuries on Sunday.
This report has been updated to clarify that the facility where the governor is being treated is the Nebraska Medical Center, not the University of Nebraska Medical Center as indicated by his office before. It also corrects the title of Dr. Hillman Terzian, confirming he is a trauma surgeon at Nebraska Medicine.