Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil, underwent a second phrenic nerve block procedure on Monday to address persistent hiccups. His medical team reported the treatment was successful and his condition is stable.
Bolsonaro, currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for attempting to overturn the 2022 election, was temporarily released from prison to undergo hernia repair surgery. He has been hospitalized since Christmas Eve, having received judicial permission for the medical leave. The hernia surgery was deemed successful, but the persistent hiccups, which have plagued him for months, prompted the additional procedure.
The phrenic nerve block is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure aimed at interrupting the signals from the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm. Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle, often caused by irritation or stimulation of the phrenic nerve. The procedure performed on Saturday targeted the phrenic nerve on the right side of Bolsonaro's body.
The former president's legal troubles stem from his alleged involvement in a coup attempt following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. He has consistently denied these allegations. His imprisonment and subsequent medical leave have drawn significant attention in Brazil, highlighting the ongoing political divisions within the country.
It remains unclear how long Bolsonaro will remain hospitalized. His medical team will continue to monitor his condition following the phrenic nerve block procedure. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
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