Omaha, Nebraska – Governor Jim Pillen of Nebraska is anticipated to be discharged from the hospital this Friday. His release comes just two days after undergoing surgery to have nine titanium plates implanted in his ribs, following injuries sustained from a horseback riding incident last weekend.
Medical professionals at Nebraska Medicine have reported that Pillen’s condition has improved considerably since he was admitted to the hospital in Omaha on Sunday after being transported from Columbus. According to trauma surgeon Dr. Zach Bauman, the governor has been breathing more easily and has shown enhanced mobility in the days following his rib stabilization surgery performed on Christmas Day.
Dr. Bauman noted that before the surgery, Pillen experienced significant discomfort due to his rib fractures, which were causing a lot of movement and discomfort. The governor is expected to resume work next week, continuing his recovery at the governor’s residence in Lincoln. However, his medical team has advised him to refrain from horseback riding until he has completely healed.
At 68 years of age, Governor Pillen sustained various injuries from the fall but was notably spared any head trauma. On the day he was admitted to the hospital, medical staff conducted a minimally invasive procedure known as prophylactic embolization to address bleeding from a damaged spleen.
During both his spleen and rib surgeries, Nebraska’s Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly temporarily assumed the role of governor. In addition to the rib injuries, Pillen also suffered a minor vertebral fracture and a laceration to his kidney; both conditions are expected to resolve naturally over the coming weeks.
Pillen and his family expressed their gratitude for the exceptional care provided by the doctors and nurses at Nebraska Medicine, as well as for the supportive messages received from the residents of Nebraska.
Elected to office in 2022, Pillen is reportedly expected to be ready to engage with lawmakers when the Nebraska Legislature reconvenes next month, according to Dr. Charity Evans.
