Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is recovering well after undergoing surgery to address a brain bleed, according to his medical team.
The 79-year-old was admitted to a hospital in Brasília on Monday after reporting a severe headache. An MRI scan revealed an intracranial haemorrhage, prompting his transfer to the Sírio-Libanês hospital in São Paulo for treatment.
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Doctors attributed the haemorrhage to a head injury sustained in October when Lula fell in the bathroom of the Alvorada Palace, the presidential residence. He required five stitches at the time but resumed his duties shortly thereafter.
The medical team performed a craniotomy, a surgical procedure involving the temporary removal of part of the skull to drain the bleed and relieve pressure. The bone was then replaced.
In a press conference on Tuesday, doctors confirmed that the president was stable, conscious, and “lucid,” engaging in conversation with medical staff. They emphasized that Lula had not sustained any brain damage and was not experiencing after-effects from the procedure.
If his recovery continues as expected, Lula could return to Brasília next week. For now, he remains under observation in intensive care, where he is likely to stay for another 48 hours, presidential spokesperson Paulo Pimenta said.
While Lula recovers, Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin will assume some of his responsibilities, including hosting Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is set to visit Brazil.
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Medical experts noted that complications from head injuries, such as those Lula sustained in October, can sometimes arise months later. The initial fall occurred on October 19, when Lula slipped in his bathroom and struck the back of his head.
The incident forced him to cancel a planned trip to Russia for a BRICS summit, but he resumed his official duties within days.
Lula, who has been in office since January 1, 2023, following a narrow electoral victory over Jair Bolsonaro, frequently described himself during his campaign as having “the energy of a 30-year-old.”