US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin underwent surgery for prostate cancer on December 22 and remains at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The cancer was discovered during a routine checkup in early December. As doctors John Maddox and Gregory Chesnut, quoted by US media, explained, the head of the Pentagon was supposed to undergo a “minimally invasive” operation called a prostatectomy under general anesthesia. Doctors have revealed for the first time what medical complications led to Austin having to extend his hospital stay.
Medical complications
Although the cancer was detected early, doctors explained that after the surgery, Austin experienced nausea and pain in his stomach, hip and leg. Doctors diagnosed a urinary tract infection. Subsequently, a buildup of fluid in the abdomen was discovered, which impaired the ability of the small intestine to function. At that point, doctors were forced to empty the stomach using a tube inserted through the nose, explains the Washington Post. Doctors said Austin “made steady progress throughout his hospital stay.” The infection was cleared. He continues to make progress and we expect a full recovery, although it may be slow.” During his hospitalization, the Pentagon chief never lost consciousness and was never subjected to general anesthesia, doctors assure. News of the hospitalization was only released by the Pentagon last Friday, January 5, sparking a political scandal when it emerged that the information had only been released a day after the first hospitalization in the intensive care unit.
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