Austin underwent prostatectomy due to cancer, then suffered health issues after surgery

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underwent a prostatectomy last month due to cancer, according to a statement from trauma medical director Dr. John Maddox and Center for Prostate Disease Research of the Murtha Cancer Center director at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Dr. Gregory Chesnut.

"On December 22, 2023, after consultation with his medical team, he was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure called a prostatectomy to treat and cure prostate cancer. He was under general anesthesia during this procedure. Secretary Austin recovered uneventfully from his surgery and returned home the next morning. His prostate cancer was detected early, and his prognosis is excellent," they noted in a Tuesday statement.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the procedure involves removing "part or all of the prostate gland."

In their statement, Maddox and Chesnut discussed the health issues that Austin faced following the surgery.

"On January 1st, 2024, Secretary Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center with complications from the December 22 procedure, including nausea with severe abdominal, hip, and leg pain. Initial evaluation revealed a urinary tract infection. On January 2, the decision was made to transfer him to the ICU for close monitoring and a higher level of care. Further evaluation revealed abdominal fluid collections impairing the function of his small intestines. This resulted in the back up of his intestinal contents which was treated by placing a tube through his nose to drain his stomach. The abdominal fluid collections were drained by non-surgical drain placement.

"He has progressed steadily throughout his stay. His infection has cleared. He continues to make progress and we anticipate a full recovery although this can be a slow process. During this stay, Secretary Austin never lost consciousness and never underwent general anesthesia," the statement notes.

President Biden was informed on January 4 that Austin was in the hospital, and he learned January 9 about the prostate cancer, NSC coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby indicated during a Tuesday press briefing.

Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said during a Tuesday press briefing that he did not have any information regarding when Austin could be released from the hospital.

Last week, in a January 5 statement, Ryder announced that Austin had been "admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for complications following a recent elective medical procedure."

Former President Donald Trump has called for the Pentagon chief to be fired, and some Republicans have called for him to resign.

Rep. Matt Rosendale of Montana is pushing to impeach the defense secretary.

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