Brazilian President Lula Discharged Following Brain Hemorrhage Surgery

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was released from the hospital following emergency surgery for a brain hemorrhage, according to his physicians. The 79-year-old was present with his medical staff at a press conference held at Sírio-Libanês hospital in São Paulo. He stated, “This here is not an interview, this is simply a session to say thanks. To thank, firstly, God, who has looked after me in a very generous manner.” Lula had been admitted to the hospital on Monday after reporting a severe headache. Physicians performed a craniotomy on the president, a surgical procedure involving the removal of a section of bone from the skull to address the bleeding and alleviate pressure. The removed bone is subsequently reattached. A hospital statement indicated that the brain bleed, also known as an intracranial hemorrhage, resulted from a head injury he suffered during a fall in his bathroom at the presidential residence in October. On Sunday, Lula further stated, “Thank you very much for the prayers. And for those who only have hate, you’re forgiven. I am here, alive, whole, and with more desire to work.” On Tuesday, doctors reported that the president’s condition was stable post-surgery and that he was conscious. They also noted that Lula was “lucid” and engaging in conversation with medical personnel. Furthermore, they affirmed that he had not suffered any brain injury and was not experiencing surgical after-effects. When questioned about his return to the capital, doctors had previously stated that, assuming a smooth recovery, they anticipated Lula’s return to Brasilia “next week”. During Lula’s hospitalization, Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin assumed some of the president’s duties. The physicians confirmed that the hemorrhage stemmed from the fall Lula experienced in October. They clarified that it is not uncommon for issues arising from a head injury to manifest “months later”. Lula had slipped in the bathroom of the Alvorada Palace on 19 October, striking the back of his head. On Sunday, he recounted that he had been sitting down while cutting his toenails at the time. He subsequently received five stitches. Following his doctors’ recommendations, the president canceled his scheduled visit to Russia for a Brics countries summit. He resumed his full responsibilities days afterward. Lula has held office since January of last year, having narrowly defeated the then-incumbent, Jair Bolsonaro, in a fiercely contested election. Throughout the election campaign, he frequently quipped about possessing “the energy of a 30-year-old”.