Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is scheduled for an upper digestive endoscopy on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. This procedure will evaluate gastroesophageal reflux, a condition following his recent surgical interventions. He has been hospitalized at DF Star Hospital since January 22, 2025.
The endoscopy follows a series of medical interventions for persistent hiccups, a rare post-surgical complication. These ongoing health issues highlight the complex nature of his recovery and the continuous need for specialized medical attention.
Bolsonaro’s legal team is closely monitoring his status, awaiting a precise medical report. This documentation is crucial for deciding whether to file a new request for home arrest with the Supreme Federal Court (STF).
Initial hospitalization and hernia surgery
The former president was admitted to DF Star Hospital on January 22, 2025, for medical evaluation. His hospitalization focused on correcting a bilateral inguinal hernia, successfully performed on January 23, 2025.
Following the hernia repair, Bolsonaro experienced persistent hiccups. This prompted his medical team to initiate additional treatments aimed at alleviating his discomfort.
Targeted nerve block interventions
To manage severe hiccups, Bolsonaro underwent an anesthetic block of the right phrenic nerve on January 25, 2025. This intervention limits diaphragm movements, a common strategy for intractable hiccups.
Despite initial efforts, hiccups recurred. On January 27, 2025, he received another anesthetic block, this time on the left phrenic nerve, to address the spasms comprehensively.
Given the continued recurrence, an additional complementation of the bilateral phrenic nerve block was performed on January 28, 2025. This reflects the complex nature of his condition and the multi-stage approach.
Understanding intractable hiccups
Bolsonaro’s condition is classified as “persistent” or “intractable hiccups,” a rare medical occurrence demanding multifactorial treatment. Such cases are often linked to abdominal surgeries or gastrointestinal diseases.
According to Dr. Brasil Caiado, a treating physician, this is an “extremely rare condition, with no epidemiological data in Brazil.” He noted its potential derivation from surgeries, requiring a nuanced care plan.
The current protocol includes meticulous dietary adjustments, like fractional feeding. This is vital for managing gastrointestinal comfort and addressing potential hiccup triggers.
Alongside diet, specific medication regimens are administered with the nerve block procedures. This integrated strategy aims to stabilize his condition and prevent further episodes.
Ongoing post-operative care
Throughout his hospitalization, Bolsonaro has engaged in respiratory physiotherapy sessions. This is crucial for maintaining lung function and aiding his physical rehabilitation after multiple surgical interventions.
Additionally, the former president uses CPAP therapy during the night as part of his preventive care. This ensures adequate rest and addresses potential respiratory challenges, contributing to his stable post-operative recovery.
Defense team awaits precise medical assessment for home arrest
Bolsonaro’s legal representatives are closely monitoring his health trajectory. The defense team awaits a precise, detailed medical report from the hospital before potentially filing a new petition for home arrest with the Supreme Federal Court (STF). A comprehensive document detailing his current medical condition, the necessity of his ongoing hospitalization, and his prognosis is considered absolutely crucial for the STF to adequately evaluate and consider any such request, clearly highlighting how his complex medical trajectory directly impacts his legal standing and future arrangements.
Recovery outlook and anticipated discharge
With the endoscopy scheduled and ongoing treatments progressing, the medical team remains entirely focused on Bolsonaro’s full recovery and stabilization. His discharge is now anticipated for early February 2025, pending positive results from the endoscopy and sustained progress.
