Officials give update on Nebraska governor’s recovery following horseback accident

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - The Governor’s Office issued an update regarding Governor Jim Pillen’s condition on Wednesday.

According to the Governor’s Office, the governor’s broken ribs are now the primary focus of his treatment. After careful consultation with his doctors, Gov. Pillen has elected to undergo a rib fixation procedure.

According to officials, the procedure involves stabilizing the broken ribs using metal plates. It will promote stronger long-term healing of the ribs, assist with pain management during the recovery process and reduce the odds of complications.

Based on the Governor’s health profile and active lifestyle, his doctors consider him an ideal candidate for this procedure. Nebraska Medicine has emerged as a national leader in rib fixation operations.

“Governor Pillen’s recovery at Nebraska Medicine has progressed well,” the Governor’s Office said in a press release. “There have been no new issues regarding the injuries to his kidney and lung, and his spleen continues to heal following the coil embolization procedure he underwent shortly after admission.

The procedure is planned for later Wednesday afternoon and will take approximately four hours, after which the Governor is expected to remain in the hospital several more days for recovery and observation.

Because Gov. Pillen will be under anesthesia, Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly will be acting Governor during the procedure, pursuant to the Nebraska Constitution.

Further information will be provided after the procedure is completed and Pillen has had an opportunity to consult with his physicians.

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