Brazil's Lula discharged from hospital following emergency surgery

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was discharged Sunday from a Sao Paulo hospital following emergency surgery last week to treat an intracranial hemorrhage.

"I am here in one piece... returning home," the 79-year-old leftist leader said as he made a surprise appearance at a news conference by his medical team at Hospital Sirio-Libanes.

Lula had successful surgery Tuesday in which doctors drilled through his skull to relieve pressure that built up after a blow to the head in October, when he fell in a bathroom in his presidential residence.

On Thursday he underwent a follow-up operation to minimize the risk of further bleeding in the affected area of the protective intracranial membranes.

The president can resume activities but will need to take it easy for 15 days, cardiologist Roberto Kalil said at the news conference.

Lula will remain in Sao Paulo until Thursday, when he will undergo follow-up tests. Once cleared, he will be able to return to Brasilia and his normal routine.

"The only restriction is physical exercise," said Kalil.

Another doctor, Ana Helena Germoglio, said Lula's recovery has "exceeded expectations."

Known for his frenetic work pace, Lula burst into the news conference Sunday without warning and approached the microphones, walking unassisted. He addressed reporters while wearing a fedora-style hat, apparently to cover up signs of his procedures.

Lula's medical emergency started when he complained last Monday of a headache while in Brasilia