Former president underwent phrenic nerve block after prolonged hiccups during hospitalization in Brasília
The medical team accompanying former president Jair Bolsonaro reported this Saturday (27) that the procedure carried out to try to control his recurring bouts of hiccups does not guarantee a definitive resolution of the condition. According to doctors, the anesthetic block of the right phrenic nerve was indicated after an intense and prolonged crisis, which caused physical exhaustion and difficulty sleeping.
Bolsonaro has been admitted to the DF Star Hospital, in Brasília, since December 24, where he is recovering from surgery for a bilateral inguinal hernia. According to the medical report, on Friday (26) the former president developed a new bout of hiccups and, as a result, underwent a right phrenic nerve block this Saturday, under sedation, without any complications.
At a press conference, surgeon Cláudio Birolini explained that the team initially tried to control the problem with medication alone, which resulted in double doses. As the clinical response was not satisfactory, the procedure was chosen. “He had a prolonged crisis, was very uncomfortable and woke up feeling down,” said cardiologist Brasil Caiado.
A phrenic nerve block temporarily reduces the activity of the nerve responsible for controlling the diaphragm, the main breathing muscle, and can help stop persistent hiccups. According to doctors, the effect can last weeks or even a few months, but there is no guarantee of permanent effectiveness. If the procedure works, it is planned to block the left phrenic nerve within 48 hours, as both sides cannot be blocked simultaneously due to respiratory risk.
Interventional radiologist Mateus Saldanha reported that the intervention lasted around an hour and was considered technically successful. Still, the medical team does not rule out other alternatives if the condition persists, although more invasive options are outside the current planning.
“We are discussing the possibility of botox on the nerve eventually, cryoablation [procedimento médico minimamente invasivo que utiliza o frio extremo para destruir tecidos anormais ou doentes]but these alternatives are ‘off label’. Let’s do the least invasive thing and reevaluate periodically. If you reach a point where you can’t resolve it, we will discuss it again and see the best possible way forward. Now, this is the proposed procedure and, in this hospitalization, we do not intend to go beyond what is being done”, explained Birolini.
According to the medical report, Bolsonaro is conscious, oriented, has already returned to his room and is free to eat. He will continue in motor physiotherapy, with measures to prevent thrombosis and general clinical care. The expected hospitalization remains between five and seven days, with the possibility of discharge after a new medical evaluation, if the clinical evolution is favorable.
