Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is scheduled for a follow-up medical procedure on Thursday, December 12, as part of his ongoing treatment after undergoing emergency surgery on Monday to address a brain bleed.
Doctors at São Paulo’s Sírio-Libanês Hospital will perform an endovascular procedure targeting the meningeal artery, according to a statement released by the hospital on Wednesday.
The president’s physician, Roberto Kalil, described the procedure as a “complement” to the earlier surgery, explaining, “This involves catheterization of the meningeal artery to prevent the possibility of minor bleeding from small arteries in the future.”
Kalil clarified that the brain bleed, or hematoma, was located outside the brain, not inside, and was completely drained during the initial surgery.
Lula, currently in intensive care, is reportedly recovering well. According to the hospital, he had a stable day, participated in physiotherapy, walked, and received visits from family members.
The 79-year-old president underwent surgery on Monday after experiencing worsening headaches during a congressional event in Brasília. An MRI revealed an intracranial hemorrhage linked to a fall he suffered in October, which caused trauma to the back of his head and required stitches.
Doctors have monitored his condition closely since the fall, and his recent health concerns have led to curtailed travel. Despite these challenges, Lula continues to receive care and remains under medical observation as he progresses through his third, non-consecutive term as president.
