Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has undergone a surgical procedure to address a severe and persistent case of hiccups that lasted for over a week. The news was confirmed by his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, sparking concern among his supporters and drawing public attention to the health of the controversial right-wing leader.
A Decade-Long Hiccup Battle and Recent Hospitalisation
The 69-year-old politician was admitted to the Vila Nova Star hospital in São Paulo on Sunday. According to his wife's social media post, Bolsonaro had been suffering from intractable hiccups for ten consecutive days. This was not an isolated incident; the former army captain has a known medical history with this condition.
Bolsonaro's struggle with hiccups dates back to a life-threatening stabbing incident during the 2018 presidential campaign. Since that attack, which damaged his intestines, he has experienced periodic bouts of the condition. A previous serious episode occurred in 2022, just after he lost the presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, requiring hospitalisation in the United States.
The Surgical Procedure and Recovery
The medical team at Vila Nova Star hospital performed a surgery described as a "procedure to treat a bowel obstruction" that was linked to the relentless hiccups. While the specific surgical technique was not detailed, such procedures for obstructions can range from minimally invasive to more complex operations.
Following the surgery, Michelle Bolsonaro provided a positive update. She stated that her husband was "recovering well" and was in stable condition. The hospital itself confirmed the successful completion of the procedure and noted the patient was under observation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as a standard post-operative protocol.
Political Context and Ongoing Legal Challenges
This health scare comes at a turbulent time for Jair Bolsonaro. Since leaving office, he has faced significant legal and political headwinds:
- He is under investigation for allegedly plotting a coup to remain in power after his electoral defeat.
- In mid-2023, Brazil's electoral court barred him from holding public office until 2030 for abusing his power and casting unfounded doubts on the country's electronic voting system.
- He has been named in several other probes, including one related to the alleged falsification of his COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
Despite these challenges, Bolsonaro remains a highly influential and polarising figure in Brazilian politics, leading the conservative opposition. His health updates are closely watched by both allies and adversaries, as they could impact the political landscape.
The incident highlights the ongoing health consequences from the 2018 assassination attempt, which has required multiple surgeries and continues to affect his well-being. Medical experts often note that persistent hiccups (known as singultus) can be a symptom of underlying issues, including gastrointestinal problems, which align with Bolsonaro's previous abdominal injuries.
