Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized and canceled an overseas trip due to an “emergent bladder issue.”

Austin was taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and underwent “non-surgical procedures under general anesthesia,” according to a statement from the hospital.

“Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is back in the intensive care unit at Walter Reed Military Medical Center for the second time since his surgery for prostate cancer. The responsibilities of his office have been temporarily turned over to his Deputy Sec. of Defense Kathleen Hicks,” CBS Evening News wrote.

WATCH:

CBS News reports:

In a statement late Sunday night, Walter Reed officials said that Austin was admitted to a critical care unit of the hospital “after a series of tests and evaluations.”

“The current bladder issue is not expected to change his anticipated full recovery. His cancer prognosis remains excellent,” Walter Reed’s Sunday statement read.

Hospital personnel said Monday they did not expect a prolonged hospital stay and anticipated Austin would be able to resume his normal duties Tuesday.

Ryder had initially said that Austin would retain his duties as defense secretary while in the hospital. However, Ryder said Sunday evening that Austin had “transferred the functions and duties of the office” to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks.

The initial statement said that Hicks, along with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, White House and Congress were notified.

A White House official confirmed Sunday evening that the Office of the Secretary of Defense had informed the White House and National Security Council about Austin’s hospitalization.

The Pentagon sparked a controversy during Austin’s previous hospitalization by keeping a lid on his admission to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for several days.

Defense Secretary Hospitalized Due To Complications From Medical Procedure

Per ABC News:

Austin's hospitalization, which began Sunday, was the secretary's third since his diagnosis of prostate cancer last December. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder couldn't say Monday during a press briefing what type of medical procedure Austin received, and whether his bladder issue was a complication from his Dec. 22 surgery for prostate cancer or an unrelated matter.

Ryder did say the secretary no longer required further treatment associated with his cancer diagnosis other than physical therapy to address lingering leg pain.

"He is expected to make a full recovery," he said.

The Pentagon had announced last week that Austin would be traveling to Brussels to attend a monthly meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, the more than 50 countries providing military aid to Ukraine, and a separate meeting of NATO defense ministers.

Ryder said the meeting would now be virtual.

Austin's hospitalization was made public shortly after his security detail took him to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Sunday. Ryder said the White House was notified in advance of the secretary being driven to the hospital.

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