The Pentagon said Tuesday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was rushed to the hospital after experiencing nausea and hip pain, which doctors diagnosed as a urinary tract infection.
Dr. John Maddox and Dr. Gregory Chesnutt of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center said in a statement provided by the Department of Defense that the secretary underwent general anesthesia for the Dec. 22 surgery to address prostate cancer. He said he recovered safely and returned home the next day. . However, Austin was hospitalized on January 1st due to pain caused by a urinary tract infection.
The statement said Austin was admitted to the intensive care unit for monitoring and treatment on January 2, during which time the infection was cleared at the hospital.
“On January 1, 2024, Secretary Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after suffering complications from surgery on December 22nd, which included severe abdominal, hip, and leg pain and nausea. “Initial evaluation revealed a urinary tract infection. On January 2nd, the decision was made to transfer him to the ICU for closer monitoring and a higher level of care,” the statement read. It's dark. (Related: Pentagon promises investigation into command process after Lloyd Austin's mysterious absence)
“Further tests revealed that ascites fluid was impairing the function of the small intestine,” the hospital said in a statement, adding that a nasal tube had to be used to drain water from Austin's stomach. .
“He has made steady progress during his stay. His infection has resolved. He continues to make progress and we look forward to a full recovery, although it may take some time,” the statement said. continued.
“During his stay, Secretary Austin never lost consciousness and never received general anesthesia,” the statement said of the second surgery. During surgery for prostate cancer, Austin received general anesthesia.
ARLINGTON, VA – November 22: (From left) Assistant Secretary of Defense Celeste Wallander, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Charles Q. Brown Jr. arrive at the Pentagon briefing room for virtual talks. . Ukraine Defense Liaison Group (UDCG) meeting to be held in Arlington, Virginia on November 22, 2023. Mr. Austin delivered opening remarks to the participating members, including the Foreign Secretary and Secretary of State. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
“His prostate cancer was detected early and his prognosis is good,” the statement said.
Austin did not inform either the White House or his Pentagon aides about the procedure scheduled for Dec. 22, which prompted his emergency return home on New Year's Day, CNN reported. report Monday. At the time, it was unclear whether Austin was sedated during the elective procedure and for how long, and the Pentagon declined to provide details.
Questions arose after Austin failed to inform officials that he had been hospitalized on January 1st after complications from elective surgery. He was resumed by the Pentagon on Friday in full duties as secretary of defense. released A statement confirming Austin's hospitalization for the first time.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks performed some of her duties while on leave without knowing that Austin was hospitalized. Neither she nor White House officials, including President Joe Biden, knew about Austin until three days after he was hospitalized for the second time.
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