Former President Jair Bolsonaro underwent his scheduled bilateral inguinal hernia surgery on December 25 at DF Star Hospital in Brasília, under Federal Police escort as authorized by STF Minister Alexandre de Moraes. Detained following a 27-year coup plot sentence, he received pre-op exams on December 24 and updates on family visits amid ongoing surveillance.
Following STF Justice Alexandre de Moraes' December 23 authorization for the elective procedure—previously detailed with entry protocols and initial companion restrictions—Bolsonaro checked into DF Star Hospital on the morning of December 24 for cardiac evaluation and surgical risk assessment, confirming fitness for the 9 a.m. bilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy on December 25. The four-hour general anesthesia surgery marks another in his series of procedures since the 2018 campaign stabbing.
PF agents provided 24-hour surveillance, with at least two stationed at his room door. Visitors faced bans on electronic devices and were limited to hospital hours. Initially restricted to former First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro, Moraes extended access on December 24 to sons Flávio, Carlos, Jair Renan, and daughter Laura. Michelle shared on social media that Laura had visited; Carlos noted frustrations with approvals, saying, “Unfortunately, we depend on one person's decision.” Flávio planned to read a Christmas letter from his father at the hospital entrance pre-surgery, soliciting prayers.
Flávio described Bolsonaro as anxious yet pleased to spend Christmas night with Michelle and Carlos. São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas offered support via call. A doctor noted symptoms of depression, anxiety, and recurrent hiccups.
