Former president Jair Bolsonaro has shown clinical improvement and is expected to be discharged from Hospital DF Star in Brasília on 1 January, according to the latest medical bulletin released on 31 December. He remains in post-operative care following a bilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy and treatment for recurrent, severe hiccups.
Bolsonaro hospital discharge expected after medical treatment
The hospital report states that Bolsonaro underwent an upper digestive endoscopy on Wednesday. The procedure revealed persistent oesophagitis and gastritis. Medical staff said he continues to receive treatment for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), along with respiratory physiotherapy, night-time CPAP therapy and preventive measures against thrombosis.
Physicians noted an improvement in the recurrent hiccups that prompted multiple interventions. Bolsonaro was given a new procedure on Tuesday to alleviate the hiccups; this was the third such intervention since his admission. The first was performed on Saturday after a particularly intense episode disrupted his sleep, and a second, targeted procedure took place on Monday that focused on the left side.
While the medical bulletin provides the clinical details and the planned discharge date, the medical team has not issued any further public comments. The report emphasised ongoing monitoring during the post-operative period and the continuation of therapies intended to control reflux symptoms and reduce respiratory complications.
The ex-president was recently moved from detention in a special cell at the Federal Police headquarters in Brasília following a medical assessment. The Supreme Federal Court minister Alexandre de Moraes authorised the hospital admission for surgery after reviewing the medical findings. Bolsonaro is serving a sentence of 27 years and three months.
Medical sources have described the present approach as conservative and focused on symptom control. Treatments for GORD, management of oesophagitis and gastritis, respiratory rehabilitation and thrombosis prevention aim to stabilise the patient ahead of discharge. Night-time CPAP therapy is being used to support respiratory function and improve sleep quality during recovery.
Observers note that the combination of gastrointestinal inflammation and recurrent hiccups required repeated interventions to control symptoms and prevent further deterioration. The hospital’s decision to perform an endoscopic evaluation provided confirmation of ongoing oesophageal and gastric inflammation and guided the continuation of targeted medical therapy.
As Bolsonaro prepares for discharge, the hospital will continue to monitor vital signs and symptoms and ensure appropriate follow-up care is arranged. Any discharge will be contingent on maintaining respiratory stability, effective control of reflux symptoms and the absence of immediate post-operative complications.
Further statements from the medical team or Bolsonaro’s representatives may follow, but for now the official bulletin indicates steady improvement and a planned discharge on 1 January.
Key Takeaways:
- Bolsonaro hospital discharge expected on 1 January after improvement in persistent hiccups and post-operative care.
- Endoscopy showed ongoing oesophagitis and gastritis; treatment for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) continues.
- He remains in post-operative care after bilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy and is receiving respiratory physiotherapy and night-time CPAP therapy.

















