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Brazil's President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, underwent emergency surgery early Tuesday morning due to an intracranial hemorrhage, as reported by the president's team in an official statement.
According to the medical report issued by the Sirio-Libanés Hospital in São Paulo, where the leader was admitted urgently, the surgical intervention was successful, and Lula is currently recovering in the intensive care unit.
Lula, 79 years old, had gone to a medical center in Brasília, the capital of the South American giant, due to "a headache," according to his team.
After undergoing an MRI, he was found to have "a hemorrhage in the brain," prompting the decision to transfer him to a hospital in São Paulo.
The surgery, which "went smoothly," lasted about two hours, said the medical center.
The hematoma found on Lula's head is the result of a fall he sustained at his home on October 19, as reported by the Efe agency following statements from the doctors involved in the case.
"When a person hits their head, the bleeding does not occur at the site of the impact, but rather results from the shaking of the brain because the brain moves within the skull," explained Dr. Stavale.
"The hematoma has been removed, and now the brain is decompressed; brain function is preserved," the doctors at the hospital in São Paulo stated, adding that he is "free of any sequelae." He will likely remain hospitalized until next Monday.
In November and early December, the president has had a busy political agenda, highlighted by the G20 leaders' summit, which he hosted in Rio de Janeiro, and the trip to the semiannual MERCOSUR meeting held in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Vice President Geraldo Alckmin is expected to temporarily assume presidential duties as the recovery of the President is completed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lula da Silva's Operation
Why was Lula da Silva urgently operated on?
Lula da Silva underwent emergency surgery due to an intracranial hemorrhage, which was detected after an MRI was performed following a headache experienced by the Brazilian president.
What was the cause of Lula's intracranial hemorrhage?
Lula's intracranial hematoma resulted from a fall he had on October 19 at his home, according to the doctors who treated him at the Sirio-Libanese Hospital in São Paulo.
How did Lula da Silva's surgery go?
Lula da Silva's surgery was successful and proceeded without any issues, lasting about two hours. He is currently recovering in the intensive care unit.
Who will assume the presidential duties while Lula recovers?
Vice President Geraldo Alckmin will temporarily assume presidential duties while Lula da Silva recovers from surgery.
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