Jair Bolsonaro Undergoes Double Hernia Surgery: What the Procedure Means for His Health

Former

President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro underwent double hernia surgery at a hospital in Brasilia, his family informed. The 70-year-old, hospitalised since earlier this week, has been serving a 27-year prison sentence for an attempted coup. Bolsonaro was granted court permission to get a check-up done, after which federal police doctors confirmed that he needed the procedure. The surgery lasted for about four hours, the DF Star hospital medical team told the media. Doctors say Bolsonaro's double hernia causes him pain. Bolsonaro, who was in power from 2019 to 2022, has gone through several other surgeries since he was stabbed in the abdomen during a campaign rally in 2018.

What is a double hernia?

A double hernia, also known as a bilateral hernia, happens when two groin hernias occur simultaneously on both the right and left sides of the lower abdomen - a common condition in men resulting from weakened abdominal muscles allowing organs or tissue to push through. According to doctors, surgery is conducted depending on the size and symptoms of the hernia, which in many cases is the only way to repair the condition. It involves pushing both of the hernia bulges back into place and strengthening both sides of your weakened abdominal wall area using a mesh.

What causes a double hernia?

Double hernias are mostly caused due to weaknesses on both sides of your lower abdominal wall, which forces the organs or tissues bulge out through these weak abdominal wall areas and cause a lump on both sides of your groin According to doctors, the weakening of your abdominal wall may be caused by ageing, doing strenuous physical activity or lifting heavy objects, excessive coughing and sneezing, constipation, being overweight or pregnant, smoking, an injury, or abdominal surgery. Weak spots or tears can develop in the layer of muscle in the abdominal wall, resulting in the contents of the abdomen pushing through. This produces a lump called a hernia.

Signs and symptoms of a double hernia

A few signs and symptoms of double hernias include:

• A bulge in the affected area, which is more defined when upright
• Burning or aching sensation at the bulge
• Pain or discomfort in the groin area, which worsens when bending over, coughing, or lifting heavy objects
• Heavy or dragging sensation in the groin area
• Weakness or pressure in your groin
• Pain and swelling around the testicles

Is the recovery fine after surgery?

Doctors say recovery from hernia surgery is usually very quick, even though it is always different for every patient, depending on their individual situation. Mostly, you would start to feel better after a few days, and within a week, you should be recovering well. While there can be discomfort or a pulling sensation in the affected area for a few days when you move, you may also have some bruising in the region, which is normal.