Lula da Silva Undergoes Emergency Surgery in Brazil Following Brain Hemorrhage

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva underwent an emergency operation early Tuesday morning due to an intracranial hemorrhage, as announced by his team in an official statement. The surgery took place at the Sirio-Libanese Hospital in São Paulo, where the president was rushed for medical attention. According to the hospital's medical report, the procedure was successful, and Lula is currently recovering in the intensive care unit.

At 79 years old, Lula had initially visited a medical facility in Brasília, Brazil's capital, after experiencing "a headache," his team reported. A subsequent MRI revealed "an intracranial hemorrhage," prompting his transfer to the São Paulo hospital. The surgery, which lasted approximately two hours, "went smoothly," said the medical center.

The hematoma discovered in Lula's head was attributed to a fall he suffered on October 19 at his residence, as reported by the Efe news agency following statements from the attending doctors. Dr. Stavale explained, "When one hits their head, the hemorrhage doesn't occur at the impact site but rather due to the brain's jolt as it moves within the skull."

The doctors at the São Paulo hospital, where Lula will remain "likely" until next Monday, stated, "The hematoma has been removed, the brain is now decompressed; brain function is preserved" and "he is free of any lasting effects."

Recently, in November and early December, the president had a packed political schedule, highlighting his role as host at the G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro and his trip to the semi-annual MERCOSUR meeting in Montevideo, Uruguay. During Lula's recovery, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin is expected to temporarily assume presidential duties.