US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underwent non-surgical surgery under general anesthesia to correct a bladder problem, his doctors said on Monday, but he is expected to make a full recovery and resume normal duties on Tuesday, Reuters reported.

Lloyd Austin, whose secret hospitalizations have sparked controversy, was re-hospitalized on Sunday and delegated his duties to his deputy.

A U.S. official diagnosed with prostate cancer and who recently underwent surgery was taken to a military facility outside Washington for an “urgent bladder problem,” Defense Department spokesman Pat Ryder said in a statement.

During a press conference on February 1, the defense minister apologized for keeping his cancer a secret, an issue that has caused huge controversy in the country.

In the midst of an election year and while the United States, the world’s largest military power, is closely monitoring two major conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, Austin underwent surgery and was hospitalized twice in December and January without President Joe Biden’s knowledge.

“It was a mistake,” the minister admitted during a press briefing, saying that his recovery “will take some time.”

Austin said he apologized “directly” to President Biden and that the latter responded “with understanding.”

The incident caused outrage even in the Democratic camp and prompted calls from Republicans for the resignation of Lloyd Austin.

This time, his ministry was quick to announce his new hospitalization: the press was notified about two hours after he left Walter Reed Hospital.

According to Washington, the controversy over his health problems comes at a time when US forces in Iraq and Syria are regularly targeted by Iran-backed militants.