Ashcroft, 61, was discharged shortly after noon from George Washington University Hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe gallstone pancreatitis and operated upon.

CNN: Ashcroft discharged from hospital

Doctors at George Washington University Hospital, also in the capital, reported an increased in reports of pain and chronic illnesses in the week after the attacks.

BBC: Pain problems 'worse after terror'

That prompted then-White House Counsel Gonzales and President Bush's chief of staff, Andy Card, to go to Ashcroft's bedside in an intensive care unit at George Washington University Hospital.

NPR: Cheney Blocked Promotion of Dissenting DOJ Official

Doctors at George Washington University Hospital described his prognosis as "terrific" and said that Cheney, who has suffered four heart attacks in the past 25 years, could return to work Monday.

CNN: Cheney goes home after heart device implant