Official statements or press releases from the Brazilian government

Brazil's President Lula Undergoes Preventive Brain Procedure After Hemorrhage Surgery

Dec 12, 2024, 10:00 AM

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will undergo a new surgical procedure today, December 12, at 7 a.m. in São Paulo's Hospital Sírio-Libanês, to minimize the risk of future cerebral bleeding following an emergency surgery earlier this week to address a brain hemorrhage. The preventive procedure, called embolization, is considered low-risk and is not expected to prolong his hospitalization. Dr. Roberto Kalil Filho, his personal physician, noted that the procedure was anticipated and that the president is in good condition. Lula himself requested the disclosure of the procedure to prevent speculation, remarking, 'If tomorrow someone finds out, they'll think I'm dying.' While Lula remains under intensive care, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin will assume duties such as presiding over the Council of Economic and Social Development, known as the 'Conselhão.'