PITTSBURGH — Gov. Tom Corbett’s back surgery at a Pittsburgh hospital today was described as successful by surgeons who said he was resting comfortably after awakening from anesthesia.

Corbett was expected to spend a night or two in Allegheny General Hospital recovering from the operation and could be back in Harrisburg by the end of the week, his office said.

After the procedure, Corbett resumed all gubernatorial duties and powers from Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley, who served briefly as acting governor.

The operation, characterized as routine, is part of the 61-year-old Republican governor’s treatment for spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that can lead to pain and decreased activity. Doctors said the operation was needed to avert possible permanent damage.