Governor Guinn gets a new hip

Gov. Kenny Guinn is reported recovering in Spring Valley Hospital in Las Vegas following hip-replacement surgery Tuesday morning.

First lady Dema Guinn said he came through the surgery well.

"Hopefully, he will be able to be up and around soon without the pain he was feeling before the operation," she said.

Dr. Todd Swanson performed the operation, which took less than two hours, using a new procedure he developed which minimizes cutting of muscles or ligaments around the hip in installing the steel and Teflon joint. Hospital officials said the procedure should greatly reduce recovery time, which can be as long as three months using standard joint replacement techniques.

The spokesman said there were no complications and that Guinn should be out of the hospital by Thursday or Friday.

Before the surgery, Guinn said the damage to his hip was probably a result of his days as a football player in high school.

It was Guinn's second trip to the operating table in his tenure as governor. The first was for prostate surgery.

As provided by the state constitution, Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt is acting governor while Guinn recuperates.

The Republican governor planned to restrict his travel and appearance schedule through April, but planned to perform his gubernatorial duties throughout his recovery and rehabilitation.

Guinn, who was elected Nevada governor in 1998, is in the final year of his second term. He is prevented by term limits from seeking a third term.

• Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.