Defense Secretary Austin undergoes ‘non-surgical procedures’ under anesthesia, Pentagon says

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was recently under general anesthesia for “non-surgical procedures,” according to a statement released by the Pentagon on Monday.

The procedures were related to a bladder issue after Austin was hospitalized and then admitted to a critical care unit on Sunday.

“A prolonged hospital stay is not anticipated,” said two doctors at the Walter Reed National Military Center in Monday’s statement. “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.”

Austin was hospitalized last month in an intensive care unit for “complications following a recent elective medical procedure,” according to the Pentagon. It was later revealed that Austin had prostate cancer.

The defense secretary transferred his duties to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks on Sunday. The White House and Congress were notified of Austin’s condition over the weekend.

Austin previously faced widespread criticism for the delay in disclosing his January hospitalization to the White House. He has since apologized for his handling of the matter.

“I want to be crystal clear,” Austin said this month. “We did not handle this right. And I did not handle this right.”