Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 79, is recovering in intensive care after successful emergency surgery to treat a brain bleed caused by a fall in October.

Doctors at Sírio-Libanês Hospital in São Paulo confirmed that the procedure, which involved draining the haematoma, went well, with Lula stable, alert, and speaking.

He will remain under observation for at least 48 hours and is expected to return to Brasília next week, The Guardian has reported.

Lula sustained no brain injury or neurological impairment and is anticipated to resume normal activities, including air travel, if his recovery progresses smoothly.

Written by B.C. Begley