The Pentagon announced that the surgery for Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s prostate cancer was an “elective medical procedure,” which could potentially lead to the assumption that it was a minor operation.

However, according to cancer experts, that is not the situation.

According to Dr. Nitin Yerram, an urologist and director of urologic research at Hackensack University Medical Center, elective procedures are not considered urgent and are instead scheduled in advance. The majority of cancer surgeries are performed on an elective basis.

Dr. Quoc-Dien Trinh, co-director of the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Prostate Cancer Center, explains that a prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that Austin underwent last month. It may be necessary for certain patients, even if not immediately, as it can be a serious operation. The surgery involves removing part or all of the prostate to eliminate the cancer.

There are less intrusive options for the procedure, using robotic technology – Austin’s medical team referred to his surgery as “minimally invasive” – as well as a more standard open approach.

Following Austin’s surgery, he experienced intense discomfort in his abdomen, hip, and leg, as well as nausea. These symptoms were not typical according to the Mayo Clinic, which states that serious complications are uncommon.

The Department of Defense reported that Austin experienced complications due to a urinary tract infection, which led to the accumulation of fluid in his abdomen and hindered his small intestines.

According to Yerram and Trinh, who were not fully informed, they stated that Austin’s issues suggested a leakage in his urinary system. When the prostate is surgically removed, the bladder must be reconnected to the urethra, which can potentially result in a leak.

According to Yerram, it is a recognized risk of undergoing surgery – while not occurring frequently, it is a known occurrence. If promptly identified and addressed, the prognosis for recovery is excellent.

Yerram stated that he suspected a leak was the cause of Austin’s bowel dysfunction. The standard method for treating this condition is drainage, and the Pentagon reported that a tube had been inserted through Austin’s nose to drain his stomach.

The Pentagon announced that Austin’s infection has cleared and his doctors expect him to make a full recovery within a few days or weeks.

According to the Mayo Clinic, it typically takes patients four to six weeks to recuperate from the surgery.