Brazilian samba dancer faces devastating complications in hospital

In a shocking turn of events, Brazilian samba dancer Alessandra dos Santos Silva, 35, woke up to a nightmare after going in for surgery to treat uterine fibroids. Silva, a skilled passista at the Academicos do Grande Rio school, underwent an operation at the Hospital da Mulher Heloneida Studart in Rio de Janeiro. However, what was intended to be a routine procedure turned into a devastating ordeal for the dancer.

During the surgery, complications arose, and Silva discovered in disbelief that her left arm had been amputated below the elbow. The surgery also resulted in a total hysterectomy, eliminating the possibility of Silva having biological children.

Silva’s arm suffered from necrosis, a condition described as a ‘flesh-eating disease,’ due to a hemorrhage during the surgery, making it impossible for doctors to save. Following the initial procedure, Silva experienced further health deterioration, with her kidneys and liver failing. The dancer was transferred to the State Institute of Cardiology Aloysio de Castro in Botafogo for a life-saving operation.

The dancer, who had dreams of having biological children and a thriving career in dance and beauty therapy, now faces the harsh reality of an altered life. Engaged for 11 years, Silva expressed her desire for those responsible to be held accountable, stating, “They managed to end my life. They destroyed my work, my career, my dream… everything.”

Silva’s family credits friends for pushing to get her back into the hospital after reported medical negligence. The Rio de Janeiro Health Department and the Civil Police have launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the surgery at the São João de Meriti Women’s Hospital.