Jim Calhoun underwent back surgery today as scheduled and thankfully, all appears to have gone well. Calhoun is expected to be released from the hospital and an ESPN report from Saturday indicated he could return to the sidelines as soon as Saturday's season finale against Pittsburgh. Let's keep our fingers crossed for a smooth and speedy recovery.
Here's the full release from the school:
STORRS (February, 27, 2012) - University of Connecticut men's basketball coach Jim Calhoun underwent successful surgery Monday morning to address foraminal spinal stenosis, a lower back condition which has forced him to take an extended medical leave of absence.
The procedure, performed at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City, removed a large extruded disk fragment that was pressing on the spinal nerve and decompressed the area around the nerve. The surgery took approximately two hours and doctors expect the Hall of Fame coach to make a full recovery. He will remain hospitalized overnight and is expected to be released on Tuesday.
"I am very fortunate to have been treated by three of the very best surgeons," Calhoun said. "My heartfelt thanks to them and the entire Beth Israel community, who have made every effort to ensure my stay is as comfortable as possible.
"Lastly, thank you to the people across Connecticut and beyond who have reached out to offer their support. It means a great deal."
Calhoun is expected to recuperate at home after his release from the hospital, where his recovery will be monitored by his personal physician. His coaching status will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis.
UConn will play its final two games of the regular season Tuesday night at Providence and Saturday at home against Pittsburgh, then will participate in the BIG EAST Championship next week at Madison Square Garden.