Brazil’s former president, Jair Bolsonaro, has undergone a series of medical treatments while serving a 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Recent interventions include a successful double hernia surgery and procedures to treat chronic hiccups that have troubled the 70-year-old former leader for months.
Successful Hernia Surgery in Brasília
Bolsonaro’s double hernia surgery was successfully completed earlier this week after Brazil’s Supreme Court granted permission for him to be transferred from federal police headquarters to a hospital in Brasília. His wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, confirmed that the operation went smoothly.
Ahead of the surgery, Bolsonaro publicly endorsed his eldest son, Flávio Bolsonaro, to run for president in the 2026 Brazilian elections. This endorsement was made through a handwritten letter, which Flávio read outside the hospital. In it, Jair Bolsonaro expressed confidence in his son, describing him as “the mission of rescuing our country, Brazil.”
Chronic Hiccups and Phrenic Nerve Treatment
Following the hernia surgery, Bolsonaro received a medical procedure to treat persistent hiccups, a condition he has been suffering from for nine months. The treatment involved a phrenic nerve block, targeting the nerves that control the diaphragm, which is responsible for inhalation and exhalation.
Dr. Claudio Birolini confirmed that the procedure, which lasted about an hour, was not a surgery but a nerve intervention. The medical team first treated the right phrenic nerve and scheduled treatment for the left nerve to fully address the issue. Michelle Bolsonaro described the hiccups as a source of “daily struggle and anguish.”
Prison Sentence and Legal Background
Bolsonaro is currently serving a 27-year sentence for his role in attempting to overturn Brazil’s 2022 presidential election. He was initially placed under house arrest pending appeals but 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 an escape attempt.
In September, Bolsonaro was found guilty of plotting a coup, which culminated in the storming of government buildings by his supporters on January 8, 2023. Following his imprisonment, Brazil’s Supreme Court also ordered the house arrest of 10 officials who participated in the coup attempt.
Political Influence and Upcoming Elections
Despite his legal and health challenges, Bolsonaro continues to wield political influence. By publicly backing his son, Flávio Bolsonaro, for the 2026 presidential race, he has signaled the continuation of his political agenda through the Liberal Party.
Incumbent President Lula has announced he plans to run for re-election in 2026, setting up a potential rematch between the two political families. Bolsonaro’s endorsement confirms Flávio as a serious contender with strong ties to his father’s political base.
Outlook and Recovery
Bolsonaro’s medical team reports that his condition is stable following both the hernia surgery and hiccup treatment. If recovery continues as expected, he could be discharged from the hospital soon and returned to federal police headquarters to continue serving his sentence.
The combination of ongoing medical treatment, prison sentence, and political activity makes Bolsonaro’s situation a focus of national and international attention. His health updates and legal circumstances continue to be widely reported, reflecting the high stakes of Brazil’s political landscape.
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