Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro successfully underwent double hernia surgery on Christmas Day, according to his medical team. Fortunately, there were no immediate complications.
That said, the doctors did suggest that he might require further treatment “soon.” Bolsonaro was admitted to DF Star Hospital in Brasilia on Thursday for what was a three-hour surgery to fix bilateral inguinal hernias. He is expected to stay in the hospital until at least December 29.
Currently, Bolsonaro is serving a lengthy prison sentence of 27 years and 3 months for “crimes against democracy.” Supreme Federal Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes granted him permission for hospitalization but mandated that police keep 24-hour surveillance during his stay.
In a statement shared on social media, Carlos Bolsonaro, one of his sons and a city councilor in Rio de Janeiro, criticized what he described as an excessive police presence around the hospital, calling it “incredible and embarrassing.”
The statement continued, “Today is Christmas, a time for family and to honor the Christian values that have been under attack, particularly targeted at one person. I feel outraged by this relentless persecution.”
Supporters of Bolsonaro were seen praying outside the hospital, some with Brazilian and Israeli flags. Surgeon Claudio Birolini, who is also Bolsonaro’s chief medical officer, will provide detailed updates to the press later this week. The procedure involved correcting the hernia and placing a polypropylene mesh on his abdominal wall.
Birolini stated, “The surgery went well. He received general anesthesia and is awake, now in his room. His recovery will focus on pain management, physical therapy, and preventing thromboembolism.”
A decision on whether Bolsonaro will need additional surgery for ongoing hiccups he’s been experiencing will be made on Monday, according to Birolini. The situation is concerning for his medical team, as it impacts his sleep.
Before the operation, Bolsonaro’s eldest son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, read a letter from his father, expressing support for Flavio’s presidential campaign in 2026, in light of the “scenario of injustice” that prevents Jair from participating in politics until 2060.
In his handwritten letter, dated December 25, Jair stated, “I entrust to my son the crucial mission of saving Brazil. This is a conscious decision to protect those who believe in us.” This surgery marks Bolsonaro’s 12th since a stabbing incident during a campaign rally in 2018. According to officials, eight of these procedures were related to complications from that initial injury.
