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US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underwent a surgical procedure for prostate cancer, a development initially not disclosed to the White House, the Pentagon announced this Tuesday.
The cancer diagnosis was made during a routine health screening in early December, as confirmed in a statement by Walter Reed National Military Medical Center doctors John Maddox and Gregory Chesnut. In a statement, both doctors said, “Austin was admitted to the medical center and underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure called a prostatectomy to treat and cure prostate cancer.” They added that Secretary Austin was under general anesthesia during the procedure.
Austin’s recovery from the surgery was initially smooth, and he was able to return home the following morning. However, complications arose, leading to a second hospital admission on January 1st. They said Secretary Austin experienced “Nausea with severe abdominal, hip, and leg pain,” which was later identified as a urinary tract infection. This complication required Austin’s transfer to the intensive care unit for further treatment, including the placement of a tube to drain his stomach.
This comes as the Pentagon and Biden administration have been scrutinized for not disclosing Austin’s hospitalization earlier. It was later revealed that key figures, including President Biden and Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, were not informed of Austin’s condition until January 4th. In response, the White House has initiated a review of communication protocols regarding Cabinet secretaries’ health issues, especially when undergoing medical procedures requiring anesthesia. The Pentagon has also ordered a review to ascertain the details surrounding Austin’s hospitalization and the transition of authority to Hicks during this period.