Idaho Gov. Butch Otter was supposed to have a surgical procedure called hip resurfacing today, but his office reports that his surgeon determined that a total hip replacement was necessary instead, to repair deterioration discovered in the governor’s left hip. The hip replacement surgery was successful, and the governor is reported to be “resting comfortably and doing fine.” He is expected to remain hospitalized for the next few days as he recovers.

Otter had planned to resume his duties as governor tomorrow from Lt. Gov. Brad Little, who is serving as acting governor today, and work from home for the next two to three weeks while he recovers. Asked if that will change because of the change in surgical procedure, Jon Hanian, Otter’s press secretary, said, “It’s too early to tell. We don’t think so, but these things depend on the patient and each different circumstance, so there’s no pat rule.”

He added, “We’re still sticking with the two to three week time frame. If that changes, one way or the other, we’ll let you know. He’s going to have to take it easy for a little while.” Little is scheduled to be the state’s official representative to welcome President Barack Obama at his appearance in Boise tomorrow, Hanian said.

As to when Little will hand the official reins back over to Otter, Hanian said, “We’re taking that on a day-by-day basis, and that is entirely dependent on the governor’s recovery. As of today, Lt. Gov. Little was acting governor. We’ll re-evaluate tomorrow.”