SAO PAULO – Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's health has deteriorated following recent bowel surgery, as reported by his medical team on Thursday. Bolsonaro is currently recuperating in the intensive care unit at DF Star Hospital in Brasilia, where doctors indicated that the former leader is experiencing clinical decline, elevated blood pressure, and worsening liver lab test results.
Bolsonaro underwent a complex 12-hour surgery on April 13, which aimed to remove intestinal adhesions and reconstruct his abdominal wall. This operation marked the sixth surgical procedure related to the long-term health issues stemming from a stabbing incident that occurred during a campaign rally in September 2018. This latest surgery is considered the most complicated since the stabbing, requiring careful post-operative care.
Despite ongoing health challenges, there is currently no specified discharge date from the ICU. As part of his treatment, Bolsonaro is receiving parenteral nutrition, undergoing physical therapy, and taking preventive measures against thrombosis. Following the initial medical report, doctors have advised against visitors, though Valdemar Costa Neto, president of Bolsonaro's Liberal Party, visited him in the ICU on Tuesday. Later that same day, Bolsonaro made a brief appearance in a live broadcast on his eldest son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro’s, YouTube channel. The former president also participated in an interview with local television network SBT, where he claimed that his trial is not based on technicalities but rather political motives.
On Wednesday, a Supreme Court officer visited Bolsonaro in the hospital to formally notify him regarding the commencement of his trial for allegedly attempting to stage a coup. His legal team has been given five days from the notification date to submit a preliminary defense. In a video shared by Bolsonaro, he can be seen questioning the court officer, appearing agitated as a member of his medical team warned about his rising blood pressure during the exchange. The officer revealed that the warrant for his trial had been issued on April 11, coinciding with the day he was initially admitted to the hospital due to abdominal pain.
As Bolsonaro continues to navigate his serious health issues while facing significant legal challenges, the situation remains closely monitored, both by the medical community and the political landscape in Brazil.
