Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was placed under general anesthesia at the hospital on Monday for a non-surgical procedure to treat an “accidental bladder problem,” his doctors said in a statement.
He said he would be able to resume his normal duties on Tuesday and “is not expected to remain in the hospital for a long period of time.”
Austin was forced to cancel a planned trip to Brussels this week as a result of the medical episode.
Austin’s hospitalization, which began Sunday, was the secretary’s third since being diagnosed with prostate cancer last December. Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder could not say during a press briefing Monday what type of medical procedure Austin received, and whether his bladder problem was a complication from Dec. 22 surgery for prostate cancer or not. It was an unrelated matter.
Ryder said the secretary no longer needs any other treatment related to her cancer diagnosis other than physical therapy to relieve leg pain.
“Hopefully he will make a full recovery,” he said.
The Pentagon announced last week that Austin would travel to Brussels to attend the monthly meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a separate meeting of NATO defense ministers and the more than 50 countries that provide military assistance to Ukraine.
Ryder said that the meeting will now be virtual.
Information about Austin’s hospitalization was made public on Sunday, shortly after his security personnel took him to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Ryder said the White House had been informed in advance of the secretary’s transportation to the hospital.
“At approximately 4:55 p.m. this evening, Secretary Austin transferred the functions and duties of the Office of the Secretary of Defense to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks,” Ryder said in an earlier statement. “The Deputy Secretary of Defense has assumed duties and responsibilities. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the White House, and Congress have been informed.”
Late Sunday night, Austin’s doctors at Walter Reed — Dr. John Maddox and Dr. Gregory Chesnutt — said he had been admitted to the critical care unit.
“Earlier today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III was taken by his security team to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to be observed for symptoms indicating an emerging bladder problem. Tonight, tests and evaluations “After a series of concussions, the Secretary was admitted to the critical care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for supportive care and close monitoring,” his statement read.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin delivers remarks during a meeting with Kenyan Defense Minister Aidan Duale at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA, on February 07, 2024.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
The Defense Secretary had earlier undergone a minimally invasive surgical procedure for prostate cancer on December 22, which led to urinary tract infection and serious intestinal complications. He was hospitalized again on January 1, but the White House did not learn about it for three days – a secrecy that led to intense scrutiny and criticism.
“I should have told the President about my cancer diagnosis, and I should have told my team and the American public,” Austin told reporters earlier this month. “I take full responsibility. I apologize to my teammates and the American people.”
Austin also talked personally about his health challenges.
He then said, “The news shook me, as I know it shakes many other people, especially the black community. It was a severe blow.” “And to be honest, my first instinct was to keep it private. I don’t think it’s anything new that I’m a very private guy. I never like to burden my problems on others. It’s not my style Is.”
President Joe Biden has publicly blamed Austin for not informing him earlier about his hospitalization following a cancer procedure in January, but he also told reporters he still trusts Austin.
Austin has said that he apologized directly to Biden and told him that he was “deeply sorry” for not telling him about his diagnosis sooner.
The investigation is ongoing, along with an internal review by the Department of Defense Inspector General.
ABC News’ Alexandra Hutzler contributed to this report.
