Jair Bolsonaro Undergoes Successful Surgery for Inguinal Hernia

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has undergone a successful surgery to address a painful inguinal hernia, according to his wife. This procedure comes during a challenging time, as Bolsonaro is currently serving a prison sentence following charges related to an attempted coup.

Details of the Procedure

At 70 years old, Bolsonaro was transported from prison for the first time since late November to have the surgery, which took place at DF Star Hospital in Brasilia. His wife, Michelle, announced via Instagram that the operation was completed without complications. “Successful surgery completed, without complications. Now we wait for him to wake up from anesthesia,” she wrote.

Bolsonaro has been serving a 27-year sentence since November for his role in an attempted coup against the Brazilian government. He gained temporary release from prison after medical professionals confirmed the necessity of the procedure.

His double hernia has been a source of significant discomfort, adding to Bolsonaro’s medical history, which includes multiple surgeries resulting from a stabbing incident during a campaign event in 2018. Recently, he was also diagnosed with skin cancer.

Doctors estimate that he will remain hospitalized for five to seven additional days as he recovers from this complex but standard procedure. Dr. Claudio Birolini, who performed the surgery, explained, “It is a complex surgery, but it is standardized and scheduled, so we expect everything to go smoothly.”

Future Medical Considerations

Post-surgery, medical staff will evaluate whether Bolsonaro can undergo another procedure to address recurrent hiccups by blocking the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm.

Following his conviction in September, Brazil’s Supreme Court determined that Bolsonaro had orchestrated a plan to obstruct President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking office after the 2022 election. Bolsonaro has repeatedly claimed innocence and described himself as a target of political persecution.

Currently, he is restricted to a modest cell equipped with basic amenities, including a minibar, air conditioning, and a television, at the federal police headquarters in Brasilia.

Succession Plans Revealed

On the morning of his surgery, Bolsonaro’s eldest son, Flavio Bolsonaro, indicated to the media that his father had officially appointed him as the Liberal Party’s presidential candidate for the upcoming election. Flavio is expected to challenge Lula, who is aiming for a fourth nonconsecutive term.

Flavio shared a letter from his father to journalists, highlighting Bolsonaro’s endorsement of his candidacy. The letter emphasized his belief in restoring Brazil’s path to prosperity and signified significant support for Flavio’s political ambitions. Flavio stated that the letter was meant to eliminate any uncertainties regarding his father’s approval of his campaign.

“Many people say they had not heard it from his own mouth or had not seen a letter signed by him. I believe this clears up any shadow of doubt,” he said.

The former president and members of his circle are facing legal repercussions for their attempts to undermine Brazil’s democratic processes following his electoral defeat in 2022.