US defense chief undergoes procedures for bladder issue

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underwent a procedure to address a bladder issue and will resume his full duties on. Tuesday, said the hospital treating him.

"Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III underwent non-surgical procedures under general anesthesia to address his bladder issue. We anticipate a successful recovery and will closely monitor him overnight," said his doctors in a statement.

The treatment took place at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. He was admitted to the facility on Sunday.

"A prolonged hospital stay is not anticipated. We anticipate the Secretary will be able to resume his normal duties tomorrow. The current bladder issue is not expected to change his anticipated full recovery. His cancer prognosis remains excellent," said the statement.

Earlier in the day, Austin canceled his planned trip to Brussels for a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting this week. He will instead join the meeting virtually.

Austin was diagnosed with prostate cancer late last year and had surgery on Dec. 22. However, complications arose, leading to his hospitalization due to severe pain on Jan. 1.

He stayed in intensive care for treatment until Jan. 15 and worked remotely from home until Jan. 29.

The hospitalization was controversial as news emerged that not even President Joe Biden, Austin’s boss, was aware of his condition for days. While acknowledging he should have been told earlier, Biden later said Austin’s job was safe.