Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has undergone a second medical procedure in three days to address persistent hiccups. This latest intervention took place at the DF Star hospital in Brasilia on January 1, 2024, following an earlier surgery on December 30, 2023, where doctors treated his right phrenic nerve.
The recent procedure involved a “phrenic nerve block” to his left phrenic nerve. This nerve plays a crucial role in controlling the diaphragm, the primary muscle responsible for breathing. According to medical literature, issues with the phrenic nerve can lead to complications such as persistent hiccups, which Bolsonaro has been experiencing.
His wife, former First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro, shared updates via social media, noting that the procedure lasted approximately one hour. Following the surgery, Doctor Claudio Birolini informed journalists that Bolsonaro is likely to be discharged from the hospital shortly, provided his recovery remains stable.
Health Monitoring and Recovery
At a press conference, Doctor Brasil Caiado expressed optimism regarding Bolsonaro’s condition, stating, “I don’t believe the hospitalization will be prolonged much longer. His condition is stable.” The medical team is closely monitoring his health over the next 48 hours to ensure there are no complications post-surgery.
Bolsonaro, 70, had previously been hospitalized on December 25, 2023, for hernia surgery. During this hospital stay, doctors decided to address his hiccups, which had been a persistent issue. The former president has faced various health challenges since he was stabbed in September 2018 during a campaign event in Juiz de Fora, located in Minas Gerais state.
Legal Context and Current Status
In September 2023, Bolsonaro was convicted and sentenced to over 27 years in prison by Brazil’s Supreme Court for his involvement in a plot to overturn the results of the 2022 election, in which he lost to current President Lula da Silva. He began serving his sentence last month but was granted permission by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes to leave prison for the recent surgical procedures.
As Bolsonaro continues to recover, the intersection of his health issues and legal troubles remains a focal point in Brazilian politics. The coming days will be crucial as his medical team monitors his recovery and the implications of his ongoing imprisonment.
