Brazilian former president Jair Bolsonaro left AdventHealth Celebration, a hospital near Orlando, against the medical team’s advice on Tuesday. His discharge came after a day of hospitalization following severe abdominal pain caused by stab wounds suffered during his 2018 election campaign tour. A Brazilian newspaper reported that doctors recommended a longer stay of three to four extra days, but Bolsonaro was released to return home in Florida.
A physician who spoke to the media described Bolsonaro as not yet fully in optimal health. The former president reportedly cannot yet manage a regular diet and continues to face dietary restrictions as part of his recovery. Bolsonaro himself has indicated his exit from the hospital and his intention to resume daily life, signaling that the discharge was completed despite medical cautions.
Earlier, Bolsonaro used social media to confirm his hospitalization for intestinal pain and to thank followers for the prayers and messages of support he received during the medical episode. The former head of state has previously described his medical history as complicated by chronic abdominal issues that have required surgical interventions in the past.
He has undergone five operations after the 2018 stabbing incident in Juiz de Fora, followed by two more procedures in the years since. Bolsonaro notes that these health challenges have driven additional medical care and visits for related conditions, though the surgical route has not always been necessary in every instance.
In addition to the recent hospitalization, Bolsonaro has faced multiple prior hospitalizations for abdominal discomfort, including health episodes in mid to late 2021 and again in early 2023. Those occasions raised the possibility of surgery, which was discussed with clinicians, but none of the events ultimately required operative intervention. The latest hospitalization occurred just a day after a large gathering of Bolsonaro supporters unfolded in Brasília, echoing tensions seen during a notable political episode in the United States several years earlier.
Those events reflected a broader pattern of political demonstrations tied to Bolsonaro and his public health updates. As the medical team monitored his status, supporters expressed concern and offered encouragement through various channels. The situation highlighted ongoing questions about Bolsonaro’s health and its implications for his political activity and public appearances in the near term.
Healthcare providers emphasized careful monitoring and appropriate follow up as Bolsonaro continues his recovery. The patient has a long medical history marked by abdominal pain and prior surgeries, and clinicians are expected to outline a clear plan for nutrition, activity, and any further evaluations required to ensure stability. The case illustrates how ongoing medical challenges can intersect with public life, especially for high-profile figures facing repeated health concerns and extensive public scrutiny.
As Bolsonaro resumes his routine outside of hospital walls, observers will watch closely for updates about his dietary progress, tolerance to meals, and overall health trajectory. The episode serves as a reminder that medical caution often accompanies public figures dealing with serious injuries and chronic conditions, even as they remain active participants in political discourse and public life.