Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil, underwent a second phrenic nerve block procedure on Monday to address persistent hiccups. The procedure, a non-surgical and minimally invasive intervention, was performed after Bolsonaro was temporarily released from prison, where he is serving a 27-year sentence for attempting to overturn the 2022 election results.
According to his medical team, the treatment was successful, and Bolsonaro's condition is stable. He has been hospitalized since Christmas Eve, having received judicial permission to leave prison for hernia repair surgery. While that operation was also deemed successful, the hiccups, which have plagued Bolsonaro for months, necessitated the additional procedure. The initial phrenic nerve block was performed on Saturday.
The phrenic nerve plays a crucial role in breathing, controlling the diaphragm's movement. A nerve block involves injecting a local anesthetic to temporarily interrupt the nerve's function, potentially alleviating the hiccups. Persistent hiccups can be debilitating and are sometimes indicative of underlying medical conditions.
Bolsonaro, a far-right politician, has been a controversial figure in Brazilian politics. His imprisonment stems from his alleged involvement in a coup attempt following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. The legal proceedings and his subsequent incarceration have further polarized Brazilian society.
It remains unclear how long Bolsonaro will remain hospitalized. His medical team will continue to monitor his condition following the phrenic nerve block. The judicial permission granted for his medical treatments highlights the complexities of balancing legal obligations with the right to healthcare, even for incarcerated individuals.
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