US defense chief to undergo 'scheduled' medical procedure on Friday: Pentagon

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will undergo a "scheduled" medical procedure related to his reported bladder issue on Friday evening, said Pentagon.

Austin "will undergo a scheduled, elective, and minimally invasive follow-up non-surgical procedure related to his previously reported bladder issue at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center later this evening," Spokesman Pat Ryder said in a statement.

The defense chief "will be temporarily unable" to perform his functions and duties during the procedure, Ryder said, adding Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks will serve as the Acting Secretary of Defense.

Ryder stressed that Austin's bladder issue is not related to his cancer diagnosis and has had no effect on his "excellent" cancer prognosis.

Austin was diagnosed with prostate cancer late last year and had surgery Dec. 22. Complications arose, however, leading to his hospitalization due to severe pain on Jan. 1. He stayed in intensive care for treatment until Jan. 15 and worked from home until Jan. 29.