US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin was discharged from hospital on Tuesday after undergoing a procedure for a bladder issue, having previously dealt with complications following surgery for prostate cancer.
The Defense Department stated that the 70-year-old Austin “is recovering well and has resumed his full duties and functions,” adding that “on the advice of his doctors, Secretary Austin will recuperate and perform his duties remotely from home for a period before returning to work at the Pentagon later this week.”
Doctors at Walter Reed National Medical Centre claimed Austin was treated for “a bladder issue [that] was corrected with non-surgical procedures.”
Austin was treated for prostate cancer in late December and was hospitalised for a fortnight in January due to complications after surgery. The incident caused an uproar as the Pentagon chief did not immediately inform President Joe Biden and Congress about the cancer and hospitalisation.
The bladder issue forced Austin to cancel a meeting with other defence leaders in Brussels, handing over his duties to his deputy Kathleen H. Hicks.
Austin’s secrecy sparked anger in Congress, with lawmakers demanding an explanation. The Pentagon’s internal watchdog stated that it was investigating whether the Defence Department’s procedures were sufficient to ensure appropriate notification and transfer of authority in the event of a senior leader’s illness.
