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 on Christmas Eve. He received judicial permission for the hospital stay. While the hernia surgery was successful, the hiccups persisted for months, prompting the initial phrenic nerve block procedure on Saturday, which was described as non-surgical and minimally invasive.
The phrenic nerve controls the diaphragm, the primary muscle involved in breathing. A phrenic nerve block aims to interrupt nerve signals that may be causing the involuntary diaphragm contractions that result in hiccups. The procedure involves injecting an anesthetic near the nerve to temporarily block its function.
Bolsonaro's current imprisonment stems from his conviction for plotting a coup to overturn his 2022 election loss. He has been a controversial figure in Brazilian politics, known for his far-right policies and rhetoric. His legal team has maintained his innocence and is expected to appeal the conviction.
The former president remains hospitalized following the second procedure. His medical team will continue to monitor his condition. No further details regarding his release back to prison have been released.
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