Lula undergoes emergency surgery for brain hemorrhage
3 Min Read
The procedure took place at Hospital Sirio-Libanes in Sao Paulo following headaches linked to a fall he suffered in October.
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The main entrance of the Sirio-Libanes hospital where Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is receiving medical treatment in Sao Paulo, on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. (AP)
Brazilian news sources on Tuesday reported that President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, 79, is in stable condition after undergoing emergency surgery for an intracranial hemorrhage.
The procedure took place at Hospital Sirio-Libanes in Sao Paulo following headaches linked to a fall he suffered in October. Lula is expected to remain in the hospital until next week.
Medical emergency and procedure
Lula was rushed to the hospital late Monday after an MRI scan in Brasilia revealed bleeding between the brain and the dura mater, the protective membrane under the skull.
Doctors performed a two-hour trepanation, a procedure involving drilling into the skull to relieve pressure.
"The bleeding was located on the left side, above the frontal and parietal lobes. Through surgery, the brain was decompressed, and neurological functions were preserved," said Dr. Marcos Stavale, one of the medical team members.
Another doctor, Roberto Kalil, confirmed that Lula suffered no brain damage from the incident.
The hemorrhage was attributed to a bathroom fall at the presidential residence on October 19, during which Lula hit his head and required stitches.
Despite the initial injury, he resumed his regular duties until this week.
Reactions and temporary leadership
Vice President Geraldo Alckmin has temporarily assumed part of Lula's responsibilities. However, Communications Minister Paulo Pimenta stated that there is no need for Lula to be formally removed from office.
"After successful surgery, the anguish of last night has changed to calm and the certainty that, with the dedication of the medical team and faith and the people's love, he will soon return to work," said First Lady Rosangela Janja da Silva in an Instagram post.
The US National Security Council also extended well wishes, stating on social media, "We are pleased to hear that his operation this morning went well and wish him a speedy recovery."
Read more: Venezuela accuses Lula of staging accident to justify BRICS veto
Doctors have assured the public that Lula is recovering well, already eating and talking following the surgery.
He is expected to leave the hospital next week and gradually resume his presidential duties.
The incident has not caused significant disruption to government operations, and officials remain optimistic about the president's return to work.
