Jair Bolsonaro’s Health Declines Following Gut Surgery, Remains in ICU
Hotspotorlando News, Brasilia, Brazil – Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s health has taken a turn for the worse following a complex gut surgery earlier this month, according to a medical note released by DF Star Hospital on Thursday, April 24, 2025. The 70-year-old conservative leader remains in the intensive care unit (ICU) with no forecast for discharge, as doctors report a clinical decline, elevated blood pressure, and worsening liver function test results.
Bolsonaro underwent a 12-hour surgery on April 13 to address recurring intestinal issues stemming from a 2018 stabbing incident during his presidential campaign. The procedure, described as highly invasive, aimed to remove intestinal adhesions and reconstruct the abdominal wall. Initially, doctors reported positive progress, noting that Bolsonaro was awake, stable, and able to walk with assistance. However, recent updates indicate complications, with the former president still on intravenous feeding due to ineffective intestinal movement and undergoing additional imaging tests to monitor his condition.
The medical team, led by surgeon Cláudio Birolini, has restricted Bolsonaro from receiving visitors to minimize risks to his recovery. The former president has been in and out of hospitals since the 2018 attack, which caused long-term damage to his digestive system. This latest surgery marks his sixth procedure related to the stabbing, highlighting the ongoing impact of the injury.
Bolsonaro, a polarizing figure known for his far-right policies, was hospitalized on April 11 after experiencing severe abdominal pain during a political event in northeastern Brazil. The incident forced him to cancel a regional tour aimed at rallying support ahead of a Supreme Court trial related to alleged coup attempts in 2023. Despite his health challenges, Bolsonaro has remained active on social media, expressing gratitude for supporters’ prayers and emphasizing his focus on recovery.
As of now, the medical team has not provided a timeline for Bolsonaro’s potential discharge, and his condition continues to require intensive monitoring. Supporters have gathered outside DF Star Hospital, holding prayers and vigils for his recovery, while political opponents and allies alike await further updates on his health.
*Sources: Reuters, CNN, UOL, AP News*