Brazil’s 79-year-old President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, is in stable condition following emergency surgery to treat an intracranial hemorrhage.
Doctors at the Hospital Sirio-Libanes in Sao Paulo confirmed that Lula is conscious, talking, and eating after the two-hour procedure and is expected to leave the hospital next week.
The medical team attributed the hemorrhage to a fall the president suffered in October, which caused him to hit his head in a bathroom at the presidential residence in Brasilia.
Despite receiving stitches at the time, Lula experienced headaches on Monday, prompting an MRI scan in Brasilia.
The scan revealed bleeding between the brain and the dura mater membrane, located on the left side of his head.
Lula was swiftly transported to Hospital Sirio-Libanes, where doctors performed a trepanation—a procedure involving drilling into the skull to relieve pressure.
“The brain was decompressed, and neurological functions were preserved. He did not suffer brain damage,” said Marcos Stavale, a member of the medical team.
Vice President Geraldo Alckmin has assumed some of Lula’s responsibilities, although Communications Minister Paulo Pimenta stated there is no need for Lula to be formally removed from his duties.
First Lady Rosangela Janja da Silva expressed her relief on Instagram: “After successful surgery, the anguish of last night has turned to calm, and with faith and love, he will soon return to work.”
The U.S. National Security Council also extended well wishes, expressing satisfaction with the successful operation.
The incident follows other health challenges for the president. Lula underwent a hip replacement in September 2023 to address chronic pain and was treated for throat cancer in 2011, which is now in remission.
Despite these challenges, Lula has maintained a demanding schedule, hosting international summits and diplomatic engagements.
Back in October, Lula canceled a trip to Russia for the BRICS summit following his fall but attended virtually.
He also recently hosted the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Brasilia.
Lula, who previously served as president from 2003 to 2010, won re-election in 2022, defeating Jair Bolsonaro.
While he has not confirmed whether he will run again in 2026, he has emphasized the importance of governance competence over age.
“I will be willing to run again. But I hope it won’t be necessary,” Lula said in a recent CNN interview.
For now, Brazil’s president remains focused on recovery, with his doctors and supporters optimistic about his return to office soon.