Brazil’s former president, Jair Bolsonaro, has recently undergone medical treatment to address his chronic hiccups, marking another step in his ongoing health struggles while serving a 27-year prison sentence. The latest intervention comes shortly after Bolsonaro successfully underwent surgery for a double hernia, underscoring the complexity of his medical condition and the attention it has drawn internationally.
Bolsonaro’s Hiccup Treatment Procedure
According to his medical team, Bolsonaro’s treatment for persistent hiccups “went well”. Dr. Claudio Birolini clarified that the procedure was not a surgery and lasted for approximately one hour. The procedure involved a phrenic nerve block, targeting the nerve responsible for controlling the diaphragm, which is essential for breathing.
The phrenic nerves, located in the neck, contract and expand the diaphragm to enable inhalation and exhalation. Hiccups occur when the diaphragm spasms involuntarily, often due to irritation of these nerves. Bolsonaro’s medical team first treated the right phrenic nerve and subsequently scheduled the left phrenic nerve for a second procedure.
Michelle Bolsonaro, the former president’s wife, described the condition as “nine months of struggle and anguish with daily hiccups”, highlighting how the condition has significantly impacted his daily life.
Recent Surgeries and Health Challenges
Bolsonaro, 70, underwent successful double hernia surgery earlier this week after being permitted by Brazil’s Supreme Court to transfer from federal police headquarters to a hospital. This followed previous intestinal surgery in April, as the former president has faced ongoing health complications throughout his imprisonment.
His medical team emphasized that treating the chronic hiccups was necessary following the hernia surgery to ensure a smoother recovery. Bolsonaro’s doctors have stated that his condition is stable and anticipate that hospitalization will not be prolonged significantly. Once discharged, he will return to his cell at the federal police headquarters to continue serving his sentence.
Political Activity Amid Health Issues
Despite being imprisoned, Bolsonaro remains politically active. Before the hernia surgery, he endorsed his son, Flávio Bolsonaro, to run against current Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the 2026 presidential election. The endorsement was delivered through a handwritten letter, which Flávio read outside the hospital.
Bolsonaro lost the 2022 presidential election to Lula and has since faced legal repercussions for attempting to overturn the election results. In September, Bolsonaro was found guilty of plotting a coup. Initially placed under house arrest pending appeals, he was transferred to police custody after authorities deemed him a “concrete flight risk”, citing attempts to tamper with his ankle monitor and plans to use a rally as cover for escape.
Legal Developments Related to the Coup Plot
Following Bolsonaro’s arrest, Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered house arrest for 10 officials who participated in the coup attempt, all of whom had served under Bolsonaro’s administration. These developments continue to shape the former president’s political and personal narrative while he navigates both legal and medical challenges.
Outlook and Recovery
With the phrenic nerve block procedure completed on one side and a second procedure scheduled, Bolsonaro’s medical team remains optimistic about his recovery. If no complications arise, he could be discharged from the hospital soon, though he will continue to serve his prison sentence.
Bolsonaro’s case has attracted significant international attention, both due to his health updates and his controversial political and legal situation. The combination of chronic health issues and high-profile legal cases has made Bolsonaro’s recovery and ongoing treatment a subject of public and media scrutiny.
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