Following his successful inguinal hernia surgery on December 25, former President Jair Bolsonaro received an ultrasound-guided anesthetic block of the right phrenic nerve on December 27 at Hospital DF Star in Brasília to address persistent hiccups. The procedure was complication-free, with the left side scheduled for December 29; discharge is expected December 31.
Bolsonaro, hospitalized since December 24 under Federal Police surveillance authorized by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, has endured nine months of severe hiccup crises linked to esophagitis, gastritis, and reflux, worsening post-hernia repair.
The 45-60 minute procedure on December 27, performed under sedation without incisions, addressed a severe episode the prior night. Chief surgeon Cláudio Birolini stated: "From a surgical point of view, everything is under control." Cardiologist Brasil Caiado added: "He had a strong hiccup crisis... We opted for the procedure and will await the response. On Monday, we will do the block on the other side." Radiologist Mateus Saldanha confirmed: "It all went well. We performed the block on one side only, to avoid saturation."
Former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro shared on social media: "My love just went to the surgical center... It's already nine months of struggle." Family members, including sons Carlos and Jair Renan, expressed frustration over restricted access due to 24-hour police monitoring.
Bolsonaro began physiotherapy December 26 and continues thrombosis prophylaxis. The medical bulletin notes the left phrenic nerve block in 48 hours, with discharge planned thereafter on New Year's Eve eve.
