Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was discharged from Sao Paulo hospital on Sunday after undergoing emergency brain surgery. The 79-year-old had surgery on Tuesday to relieve pressure caused by a head injury he sustained in October.
The surgeons drilled through his skull to alleviate pressure that had accumulated following a head injury from a bathroom fall at his presidential residence in Brasilia in October. He had a second procedure on Thursday to reduce the risk of further bleeding.
Doctors said Lula is recovering well and can return to work with limited physical activity. Giving an health updateCardiologist Roberto Kalil said, “The only restriction is physical exercise.” Another doctor, Ana Helena Germoglio, added that Lula’s recovery has “exceeded expectations.” Lula will stay in Sao Paulo for follow-up tests until Thursday before returning to Brasilia.
Speaking at a news conference, Lula said, “I am here in one piece… returning home calmly.” He later waved to reporters as he left the hospital. He further described experiencing symptoms before the surgery, stating, “I felt like my steps were slowing down, my eyes were red and I was very sleepy.” He also expressed his apprehension, saying, “I confess I was scared by the volume of fluid growth in my head. I was worried by the urgency of the request” to go to the hospital. He further admitted, “I never think I’m going to die, but I’m scared, so I need to follow the rules.” Looking ahead, Lula confirmed, “I’m going home now, calm, sure that I’m cured and that I just need to take care of myself.”
The president initially injured his head in a fall at his residence in October. While he canceled some trips afterward, he returned to his busy schedule in mid-November, attending international summits. This recent surgery adds to Lula’s history of health issues, including throat cancer treatment in 2011 and a hip replacement last year.
