Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro undergoes third surgery for hiccups

Brazil’s jailed former president Jair Bolsonaro has undergone a third medical procedure in four days to treat persistent hiccups.

Doctors performed a third surgery to block his phrenic nerve. The nerve is located in the neck and is essential for controlling the diaphragm (controlling breathing).

Michelle Bolsonaro, the former president’s wife, shared a statement on social media confirming that her husband underwent a third surgery because of hiccups that “haven’t stopped” since the weekend.

The far-right leader is serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup to overturn the 2022 election.

Bolsonaro’s medical team said he would undergo further tests on Wednesday to determine where he had gastroesophageal reflux. This occurs when stomach acid backs up into the throat and causes heartburn.

Two hiccup surgeries on Saturday and Monday treated Bolsonaro’s left and right phrenic nerves.

Doctors said Tuesday they “don’t believe the hospital stay will be extended much longer.”

His wife Michelle said the former president’s surgery came after “nine months of struggle and pain and daily hiccups.”

The 70-year-old Bolsonaro was originally admitted to the hospital in the capital Brasilia on Christmas Day to undergo a successful double hernia operation. If his recovery goes well, he is expected to be discharged from the hospital on January 1.

Brazil’s Supreme Court allows former president to go to jail He will be transferred to the hospital from the police headquarters where he is serving his sentence.

Before hernia surgery, former president underwent bowel surgery April.

Bolsonaro served as President of Brazil from 2019 to 2023. He lost the 2022 election to current Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

A month before the 2018 election, a man stabbed Bolsonaro in the abdomen at a campaign rally, requiring surgery due to severe blood loss. The stabbing led to ongoing health problems for the far-right figure.

He supports his son Flavio Bolsonaro’s bid to run against Lula in the 2026 presidential election.