SAO PAULO — Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva underwent surgery in Sao Paulo to drain a bleed on his brain linked to a fall at home in October, a medical note published by the government said on Tuesday (Dec 10).

The surgery was successful and the 79-year-old Lula is "well" and being monitored in the intensive care unit, the note said. Doctors will hold a press conference at 9 am local time (1200 GMT) to provide details.

Lula had an MRI scan late on Monday in Brasilia after suffering a headache, which detected an intracranial hemorrhage. He was transferred to Sao Paulo for surgery at the Sirio Libanes hospital.

Lula fell at home in late October and sustained a small brain hemorrhage and trauma to the back of his head which required stitches.

Tests in early November showed his condition was stable and Lula remained active, recently travelling to Montevideo to discuss a Mercosur trade deal.

The president's injury forced him to cancel a trip to Russia for a summit of the BRICS group of major emerging markets being held in Kazan, following medical advice to temporarily avoid long-haul flights.

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