Polícia Federal concluded, in a report released this Friday, December 19, 2025, that former president Jair Bolsonaro has a bilateral inguinal hernia. The document, prepared by a medical board of three experts from Instituto Nacional of Criminalística, recommends surgical repair on an elective basis. Bolsonaro remains detained at the PF’s Superintendência in Brasília, where he has been serving his sentence since November.
Experts analyzed recent exams, including an ultrasound performed on December 14, and a physical examination. Eles confirmed the diagnosis of hernia on both sides of the inguinal region, worsened by recurrent bouts of hiccups and coughing. Essas conditions increase internal abdominal pressure, contributing to the discomfort reported by the former president.
Bolsonaro’s health condition is directly related to the consequences of the stab wound suffered in 2018, during the election campaign. Desde then, he underwent multiple abdominal surgical interventions, which weakened the muscular wall and facilitated the emergence of hernias. The report highlights the evolution of the problem, which was absent in a CT scan in August, but clinically detected in November and confirmed now.
Evolution of medical diagnosis
Initial examinations, carried out in August 2025, did not identify hernial changes in the abdominal wall. Relatórios, in November and December, indicated progression to unilateral and, later, bilateral hernia. The recent ultrasound and expert examination consolidated the current situation.
The medical board emphasized that surgical repair should occur as soon as possible. Embora Classified as elective, the procedure aims to prevent complications, such as worsening of the patient’s sleep and nutrition. Hiccuping attacks, persistent since 2018, increase the risk of intestinal incarceration.
Details of the expert report
The PF document describes the inguinal discomfort reported by Bolsonaro in recent weeks. Peritos signatories underwent direct assessment in the prison complex, accompanied by a private doctor. Eles integrated data from previous exams to form an unbiased technical opinion.
- Bilateral inguinal hernia confirmed by imaging and physical examination.
- Need for herniorrhaphy to strengthen the abdominal wall.
- Recommendation for hospital intervention under general anesthesia.
- Hospitalization is expected between five and seven days, according to additional reports.
An inguinal hernia occurs when abdominal tissue bulges through a weak point in the groin muscles. Bilateral Casos require symmetric correction to avoid asymmetries and recurrences. The procedure uses synthetic mesh for permanent containment.
Prison context and health
Bolsonaro has been imprisoned since November 22, 2025, in a special room at Superintendência of the PF in Brasília. The arrest stems from conviction for attempted coup by Estado, with a sentence of 27 years and three months in a closed regime. Pedidos previous defenses for surgery were analyzed based on outdated exams.
Minister Alexandre of Moraes, of the STF, determined the official expertise after questioning reports initially presented. Ele authorized portable ultrasound within the prison unit to speed up the process. The report now forwarded to Supremo will support the decision on authorization of the procedure.
Recommended procedure and risks
Bilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy is a common operation, performed open or laparoscopically. Ela corrects the muscle defect and reduces the risk of strangulation, a serious complication that compromises intestinal blood flow. Peritos highlight refractoriness to conservative treatments in the case of Bolsonaro.
The intermittent increase in abdominal pressure, caused by chronic hiccups, accelerates the progression of the condition. Sem intervention, there is potential for worsening of symptoms and need for emergency surgery. Elective repair allows for safe planning in an appropriate hospital environment.
Exams that supported the conclusion
Experts reviewed the sequence of assessments carried out since the arrest. Tomografia of August served as a negative baseline. Relatórios November clinicians recorded the onset of symptoms. Ultrassom of December and expertise on the 17th confirmed bilaterality.
The medical board unanimously concluded that he had a bilateral inguinal hernia. Eles recommended surgical repair to restore abdominal integrity. The document reinforces that the procedure prevents complications associated with high intra-abdominal pressure.
Implications of the current diagnosis
The report represents an independent official assessment, requested by the STF to support judicial decisions. Ele confirms the defense’s allegations about the progressive worsening of his health condition. Surgery, although elective, gains priority due to patient-specific risk factors.
Bolsonaro reported persistent discomfort, impacting his daily routine in detention. Peritos considered a history of previous surgeries as a predisposing factor. The current diagnosis differs from initial assessments, reflecting the natural evolution of the post-traumatic condition.
Therapeutic options evaluated
Conservative treatments, such as monitoring and medications, proved insufficient. Crises of coughing and hiccups maintain a cycle of worsening. Surgical intervention appears as the only definitive solution to the hernia problem.
- Muscle reinforcement with prosthetic mesh.
- Simultaneous bilateral correction.
- Reduction of risk of recurrence.
- Improvement in postoperative quality of life.
Experts emphasized the preventive nature of the recommendation. Eles warned of acceleration of complications without timely repair.
Polícia Federal’s report brings clarity to Jair Bolsonaro’s medical condition. Ele establishes a proven need for surgery for bilateral inguinal hernia, based on updated exams and direct assessment.
