Despite a second unexpected hospitalization for prostate cancer treatment, medical professionals caring for U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are hopeful that he will be able to return to his regular responsibilities on Tuesday and participate virtually in a crucial meeting regarding Ukraine the following day.

Austin was transported to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Sunday due to an urgent problem with his bladder, according to the Pentagon.

Doctors stated that on Monday, the individual underwent a procedure without surgery while under general anesthesia. They will be closely observed overnight, despite their anticipation for a successful recovery.

“A prolonged hospital stay is not anticipated. We anticipate the secretary will be able to resume his normal duties tomorrow,” they said in a statement late Monday. “His cancer prognosis remains excellent.”

Austin, 70, had been scheduled to fly to Brussels on Tuesday for an in-person meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) and also a meeting of NATO defense ministers. But the Pentagon canceled those plans earlier Monday and announced the meeting on Ukraine would now be done virtually.

According to Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder, the defense secretary plans to join the virtual UDCG.

However, Ryder mentioned that Austin “will be adaptable depending on his state of health.”

Alongside Austin, General CQ Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, will also participate in the online conference on Ukraine, along with Assistant Secretary of Defense Celeste Wallander.

Wallander will be heading to Brussels as the U.S. representative at the NATO ministerial meeting, accompanied by Ambassador Julianne Smith, who serves as the U.S. permanent representative to NATO.

The gatherings of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and NATO’s defense ministers are taking place during a crucial moment.

Despite dwindling supplies, Ukraine continues to defend against increased Russian drone and missile attacks. The U.S. has not provided any military assistance to Ukraine since December, when funding ceased. Attempts by American legislators to secure additional aid for Kyiv have not been successful as of yet.

Last year, the U.S. defense secretary was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He has faced criticism for not publicly disclosing his diagnosis, surgery, and hospitalization due to complications.

The Pentagon stated that Austin’s aides notified the White House prior to his departure for the hospital. Congress and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs were also informed of the updates.

Austin appointed Kathleen Hicks as the new Deputy Secretary of Defense, giving her control over the department.

Even though Austin was recently hospitalized, the White House expressed faith in his capability to lead the Defense Department on Monday.

According to White House national security communications adviser John Kirby, President Joe Biden is not worried about how Austin’s hospitalization will affect his leadership.

Upon his return to the Pentagon this month, Austin expressed regret for not disclosing his cancer diagnosis.

“The news was unsettling to me. To be honest, my initial reaction was to keep it confidential,” Austin stated to reporters. “I offer my apologies to my fellow teammates and the citizens of America.”

“We mishandled this situation. I, personally, should have disclosed my cancer diagnosis to the president, my team, and the American public. I take full accountability for my actions.”

In December, after receiving a diagnosis of prostate cancer, he underwent a surgical procedure at a hospital on December 22nd.

Austin was admitted again on January 1st and remained in the hospital for an additional two weeks due to severe pain. He was then transferred to the intensive care unit for further treatment.

Biden and other important figures were not made aware of Austin’s diagnosis until over a week after he had returned to the hospital.

Austin’s failure to disclose information led to revisions in national guidelines and initiated an internal evaluation by the Pentagon and an investigation by the inspector general into the notification processes within his department.

This report has been supplemented by contributions from Carla Babb, the VOA’s Pentagon correspondent.