Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil, underwent a second phrenic nerve block procedure on Monday to address persistent hiccups. The procedure, described by his medical team as successful, was performed while Bolsonaro was temporarily released from prison, where he is serving a 27-year sentence for attempting to overturn the 2022 election results.

Bolsonaro has been hospitalized since Christmas Eve, having received judicial permission to leave prison for hernia repair surgery. While that operation was deemed successful, the hiccups, which have plagued him for months, prompted doctors to pursue further treatment. On Saturday, he underwent a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure targeting the phrenic nerve on the right side of his body.

The phrenic nerve controls the diaphragm, the primary muscle involved in breathing. Irritation or damage to this nerve can cause involuntary contractions, leading to hiccups. A phrenic nerve block involves injecting a local anesthetic to temporarily interrupt nerve signals, potentially alleviating the spasms.

Bolsonaro's legal troubles stem from his actions following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. He was convicted of plotting a coup to prevent the inauguration of his successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. His imprisonment and subsequent medical treatments have drawn significant attention in Brazil, highlighting the ongoing political divisions within the country.

According to his medical team, Bolsonaro's condition is currently stable following the second procedure. The long-term effectiveness of the phrenic nerve block in resolving his persistent hiccups remains to be seen. Further updates on his health are expected as he continues his recovery.