Jair Bolsonaro Undergoes Second Medical Procedure to Treat Persistent Hiccups
Brazil’s former president, Jair Bolsonaro, recently underwent a second medical procedure within three days to treat his persistent and chronic hiccups, sparking renewed public interest in his health and recovery. Bolsonaro, 70, who is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for attempting a coup to overturn the 2022 presidential election, has faced ongoing health challenges that have required multiple hospital interventions.

Details of the Second Procedure

On Monday, Bolsonaro underwent a phrenic nerve block procedure to address the left side of his phrenic nerve, after doctors successfully treated the right side on Saturday. The phrenic nerve, located in the neck, plays a critical role in controlling the diaphragm, which is essential for breathing. By blocking the nerve, medical professionals aim to alleviate the persistent hiccups that have troubled the former president for months.

According to Dr. Claudio Birolini, Bolsonaro’s condition is currently stable, and he does not anticipate a prolonged hospitalization. The medical team has stated that Bolsonaro could potentially be discharged from the hospital by January 1, depending on the success of his recovery.

Previous Surgeries and Health Struggles

Bolsonaro’s hiccup treatments come shortly after other recent medical procedures. On Christmas Day, he underwent successful surgery for a double hernia, as confirmed by his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro. This procedure followed a previous intestinal surgery in April, highlighting the former president’s ongoing health struggles.

Michelle Bolsonaro described the chronic hiccups as a source of “nine months of struggle and anguish,” noting how the condition significantly affected his daily life. The medical team determined that addressing the hiccups was necessary to support his recovery after the hernia surgery.

Bolsonaro’s Political Context

While dealing with health issues, Bolsonaro remains politically active. He has publicly endorsed his son, Flávio Bolsonaro, as a candidate to challenge current Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the 2026 presidential election. Bolsonaro’s political career continues to attract attention despite his imprisonment and health concerns.

Bolsonaro lost the 2022 presidential election to Lula, marking a dramatic shift in Brazilian politics and culminating in his current legal and medical circumstances. Brazil’s Supreme Court had permitted the transfer of the former president from federal police headquarters to a hospital in Brasília for treatment, underscoring the severity of his medical needs.

Outlook and Recovery

With two phrenic nerve procedures completed and his hernia surgery behind him, Bolsonaro’s doctors are optimistic about his recovery. The medical team emphasizes that his condition is stable and that he could soon leave the hospital if no complications arise.

The case has drawn widespread attention from both the public and media, as Bolsonaro’s health updates continue to be a topic of national and international interest. His ongoing treatments highlight the challenges faced by political figures dealing with serious medical conditions while under legal scrutiny.