Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil, underwent a second phrenic nerve block procedure on Monday to address persistent hiccups. The procedure, according to his medical team, was successful, and Bolsonaro's condition is stable.
Bolsonaro, a far-right politician, has been hospitalized since Christmas Eve after receiving judicial permission to leave prison for hernia repair surgery. He is currently serving a 27-year sentence for attempting a coup to overturn the 2022 election results. The hernia operation was deemed successful; however, the persistent hiccups, which have plagued him for months, prompted doctors to perform a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure on Saturday to block the phrenic nerve on the right side.
The phrenic nerve plays a crucial role in controlling the diaphragm, the primary muscle involved in breathing. Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, often caused by irritation or stimulation of the phrenic nerve. A phrenic nerve block involves injecting a local anesthetic near the nerve to temporarily disrupt its function, thus alleviating the hiccups.
This marks the second time Bolsonaro has undergone this specific procedure. The initial phrenic nerve block, performed on Saturday, provided temporary relief, but the hiccups returned, necessitating the follow-up treatment on Monday.
Bolsonaro's imprisonment stems from his alleged involvement in a plot to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election, which he lost to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He has consistently denied these allegations, claiming they are politically motivated. His legal team has filed appeals seeking to overturn his conviction.
The judicial permission granted for Bolsonaro to receive medical treatment highlights the balance between ensuring the rights of prisoners and upholding the rule of law. While incarcerated, individuals are still entitled to necessary medical care. The decision to allow Bolsonaro to leave prison for surgery was made after careful consideration of his medical needs and security concerns.
The long-term effectiveness of the phrenic nerve block in resolving Bolsonaro's persistent hiccups remains to be seen. His medical team will continue to monitor his condition and determine if further treatment is necessary. The situation underscores the complexities of managing medical issues within the context of imprisonment and ongoing legal proceedings.
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