Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is recovering in intensive care following a complex 12-hour abdominal surgery on Sunday (13). This marks his sixth operation related to the injuries sustained during a 2018 campaign stabbing.
Bolsonaro, 70, was hospitalized on Friday (11) after experiencing severe abdominal pain during a political event in Santa Cruz, Rio Grande do Norte. His condition was later diagnosed as a subobstruction intestinal, a complication stemming from previous surgeries. He was subsequently transferred to Brasília for treatment at DF Star Hospital.
The surgery aimed to address intestinal adhesions and reconstruct the abdominal wall. Medical staff reported that the procedure was challenging due to Bolsonaro’s prior surgical history but proceeded without unexpected complications and yielded satisfactory results.
This latest health issue arises as Bolsonaro continues to be active in Brazilian politics. He has been campaigning for Congress to pass an amnesty bill for supporters involved in the January 2023 capital riots following his election loss. Additionally, he faces legal challenges, including a Supreme Court trial for alleged attempts to overturn the 2022 election results. Although barred from public office until 2030, Bolsonaro maintains his presidential ambitions for the next election, positioning himself as a challenger to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.