Jair Bolsonaro Undergoes Second Phrenic Nerve Block to Treat Persistent Hiccups
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro underwent a second phrenic nerve block procedure to treat persistent hiccups, with doctors reporting that the treatment went well and his condition remains stable. Bolsonaro has been hospitalized since Christmas Eve after being granted temporary release from prison for a hernia repair surgery, which was successful; however, the hiccups persisted.
The procedure involved a right-sided phrenic nerve block, with the left-sided block postponed to the following Monday to mitigate risks. The phrenic nerve controls the diaphragm, and blocking it aims to stop the hiccups without surgery.
Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison in September for plotting a coup to overturn his 2022 election loss. After his medical discharge, he will return to a federal police jail in Brasilia. His temporary release for the surgery was authorized by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes at the request of his defense lawyers.
During his hospital stay, Bolsonaro also endorsed his son Flavio Bolsonaro’s bid for the 2026 presidential election. Bolsonaro has a history of health problems since being stabbed during a 2018 campaign event, including multiple abdominal surgeries. Dr Claudio Birolini said Bolsonaro was expected to be discharged on 1 January if his recovery remains uneventful.
