Brazil's President Lula, 79, Undergoes Successful Second Brain Procedure; Doctors Say He's Neurologically Perfect

Dec 12, 2024, 01:39 PM

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 79, underwent a second medical procedure on Thursday, December 12, 2024, to prevent new hemorrhages in the area of his head where he previously suffered intracranial bleeding following a fall in October. The procedure, an embolization of the middle meningeal artery, was successfully conducted at the Sírio-Libanês Hospital in São Paulo and lasted less than an hour. Dr. Roberto Kalil Filho reported that Lula is awake, stable, and conversing. Dr. Marcos Stavale added that Lula is neurologically perfect with no brain lesions, and the risk of new bleeding is statistically negligible, estimated at less than 5%. The medical team used a gel to block the blood vessel to prevent future hemorrhages. Lula is currently under observation in the intensive care unit and is expected to leave the ICU on Friday after the drain is removed later today. He had experienced a fever related to a viral infection, but his tests have normalized. Doctors have recommended that he avoid physical and mental exertion and maintain relative rest. Lula is expected to be discharged at the beginning of next week, possibly on Monday or Tuesday, and may resume his duties from the Palácio da Alvorada in Brasília.