Brazil’s Leader Completes Brain Surgery, Released from Medical Facility

Brazil‘s President Lula Leaves Hospital After Emergency Brain Surgery

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazil’s president, is expected to leave intensive care after a follow-up operation to reduce the risk of bleeding following his unplanned brain surgery earlier this week.

Successful Follow-Up Operation

The president’s personal doctor, cardiologist Dr. Roberto Kalil Filho, confirmed that Lula was “awake and talking” after the procedure on Thursday morning, which involved sedation but did not require general anesthesia. The follow-up operation, known as a middle meningeal artery embolization, blocked blood flow to the site of the original bleed, significantly reducing the risk of further bleeding.

Recovery Progress

Lula, 79, has been at the Sírio-Libanês hospital in São Paulo since undergoing emergency surgery on Tuesday to drain a brain hematoma, a delayed result of a fall in the bathroom of the official residence in Brasília on October 19. His medical team has repeatedly emphasized that his cognitive abilities have not been affected. “He is cognitively fine and neurologically fit,” said neurologist Dr. Rogério Tuma.

Discharge from Hospital

Lula’s doctors expect him to leave the intensive care unit on Friday, with a discharge from hospital scheduled for Monday or Tuesday next week. The medical team has advised Lula to avoid physical and mental exertion during his recovery period, recommending that he refrain from working and stress while in hospital.

Monitoring and Further Treatment

Lula will continue to be monitored by doctors and undergo a CT scan later this week to assess his progress. After being reevaluated, he is expected to return to Brasília, the capital city of Brazil.