HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Corbett had successful hernia surgery in Pittsburgh today and briefly turned over the reins of power to his lieutenant governor.

Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley was in charge of the state from 7:10 a.m. to 8:35 a.m., when the governor emerged from anesthesia, Corbett’s office said. By midmorning, Corbett was on his way to recover at his home in Shaler, said press secretary Jay Pagni.

“He was in great spirits as he left” Allegheny Outpatient Surgical Center, Pagni said.

Dr. John Raves performed the repair of an abdominal hernia, a procedure considered routine. Corbett’s office said the surgery was performed with a laparoscope.

Corbett, 64, is expected to return to Harrisburg by Monday.