The US Secretary of Defense has already been operated on, but complications arose.

United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. In December, the head of the Pentagon underwent surgery.

This was reported by doctors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, writes Politico. It is noted that since January 1, 2024, he was hospitalized due to complications after surgery.

“According to the statement, Austin underwent a routine prostate screening in early December, during which doctors discovered prostate cancer that needed treatment. On Dec. 22, he underwent “minimally invasive” surgery under general anesthesia to treat the cancer, called a prostatectomy, at Walter Reed. Austin recovered and was sent home. On Jan. 1, he was readmitted to the hospital “with complications from the Dec. 22 procedure, including nausea with severe pain in the abdomen, hips and legs,” Dr. John Maddox and Dr. Gregory Chesnut said. Initial testing indicated the cause was infection urinary tract,” the publication says.

The next day, Austin was transferred to the intensive care unit for close monitoring and a “higher level of care.” Another examination showed that a buildup of abdominal fluid had impaired the function of his small intestine. A tube was inserted through his nose to drain his stomach.

Doctors added that Austin was recovering, but did not give a release date from the hospital. Doctors expect the head of the Pentagon to make a full recovery.

Austin hospitalization

A few days ago it became known that the US Secretary of Defense was hospitalized. It was then reported that the official was hospitalized due to complications after a planned medical procedure. The Pentagon released information about this only four days after Austin was taken to the hospital.

This act of the Pentagon outraged the American Press Association. They note that this contradicts previous precedents and the public should have been warned in a timely manner.