Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has been admitted to a hospital in Brasilia to undergo hip surgery to address arthrosis that has been causing him considerable discomfort in recent months.
Lula has endured persistent pain for over a year, but his commitment to presidential duties, including extensive international travel since assuming office in January, did not waver.
The two-hour surgical procedure, performed under general anesthesia, aims to restore the functionality of his right hip through arthroplasty, a process that entails replacing the head of the femur with a prosthesis.
Though the surgery carries no significant risks, the 77-year-old Lula will remain in the hospital until Tuesday and subsequently spend three weeks recuperating at the presidential residence.
In a televised interview, Lula emphasized the importance of diligent post-operative care, stating, “I have to be a little careful because the operation seems simple, but physiotherapy and dedicated treatment are essential for a recovery. I will take great care of myself. I’m very optimistic.”
Lula anticipates resuming his international presidential trips only by the end of November, with his first destination being the United Arab Emirates for the COP28 global climate meeting. Until then, he will remain in Brasilia, unable to travel by plane, as per his statement to the government TV channel.
During his recovery period, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin will assume some of Lula’s responsibilities and public engagements. However, there are no plans for Alckmin to become acting president, according to government officials.
Lula explained that he postponed the surgery until after taking office to guide the country towards stability following the political turbulence under his predecessor and to restore Brazil’s international reputation, asserting, “I wanted to tell the whole world that Brazil is back.”
