Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was put out of commission for five days last week by complications from a procedure to treat prostate cancer, the hospital that treated him announced Tuesday.

Austin, 70, was released from Walter Reed Army Medical Center one day after the initial procedure Dec. 22, only to experience “severe pain” on the evening of Jan. 1 that forced him to be rushed back to the hospital.

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<figcaption>Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized since Monday, an Air Force general said. <span class="credit">REUTERS</span></figcaption>

Between Jan. 1 and Jan. 5, Austin was unable to execute his duties — while the Pentagon failed to inform not only President Biden of the situation, but also Austin’s deputy, Kathleen Hicks, who was on vacation in Puerto Rico at the time.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was put out of commission for five days last week by complications from a procedure to treat prostate cancer, the hospital that treated him announced Tuesday.{ai:summary}<p>#military Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized for five days due to complications from prostate cancer treatment. Pentagon failed to inform President Biden and Austin's deputy during his absence.</p>

Lloyd Austin absence caused by prostate cancer surgery: hospital

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