Austin treated for early prostate cancer, serious intestinal complications: Pentagon
ABC News
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center -- which treated Austin -- said he underwent a procedure to treat early prostate cancer.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was treated for prostate cancer in December, which led to a urinary tract infection and serious intestinal complications, the Pentagon said Tuesday -- revealing details about his secretive hospitalization and the botched notification process that followed.
On Dec. 22, Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and underwent minimally invasive surgical procedure to treat and cure prostate cancer, said Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary. He was under general anesthesia during the procedure, Ryder added.
The next day, Austin was discharged and went home, Ryder said. However, on Jan. 1, Austin was admitted again with complications from the Dec. 22 procedure determined to be a urinary tract infection.
On Jan. 2, Austin was transferred to the intensive care unit after an evaluation revealed abdominal fluid collections impairing the functions of small intestines, Ryder said.
