Defensive Secretary Lloyd Austin is back on duty after a hospital stay

Secretary Austin underwent surgery for prostate cancer last December. On Sunday, February 11, he was admitted to the critical care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center with a bladder issue.

However, after a few days of stay, he was released. As doctors from the aforementioned hospital state, quoted by the U.S. Department of Defense official website, his recent bladder problems were unrelated to the prostate cancer, and there is no need for further hospitalization.

"Secretary Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Feb. 11 with discomfort and concern from a bladder issue related to his December 2023 prostate cancer surgery. His condition indicated a need for close monitoring by the critical care team and supportive care. His diagnostic evaluation identified the cause of his bladder issue, and it was corrected with non-surgical procedures on Feb. 12. He remained in good condition throughout and no longer needed critical care monitoring on the morning of Feb. 13. He progressed well and was discharged to his home today. He is anticipated to continue his full recovery. The bladder issue was not related to his cancer diagnosis and will have no effect on his excellent cancer prognosis", said Dr. John Maddox, Trauma Medical Director, and Dr. Gregory Chesnut, Director of the Center for Prostate Disease Research at the Murtha Cancer Center, of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.