By scheduling an interview with Sydney Govou, the former Lyon and Blues striker who became a star consultant on Canal +, The Parisian perhaps did not expect this shattering revelation. 12 years ago, the athlete experienced months of intense suffering that could have led to amputation.
A surgery that degenerates in the hospital
During the interview, Sydney Govou explains that he has never spoken publicly about this very painful episode.
“In 2013, after patellar tendon surgery, I contracted staph in hospital and almost had part of my left leg amputated.”
The pain is then omnipresent and unbearable.“I was in so much pain that a doctor at the hospital told me that the best solution would be amputation. I was on morphine, I was in so much pain that I accepted at the time.”
Ultimately, it is his surgeon, his agent and his wife who dissuade him from going through with this decision, a crucial choice that will allow him to save his leg and return to the field.
Why can a simple operation become infected?
To understand what happened to the former international, we must look at the mechanism of post-operative infections. Dr Gérald Kierzek recalls that “all surgery carries a risk of infection, even minimal, despite extremely strict protocols.”
During patellar tendon surgery, bacteria can enter the surgical wound, often staphylococcus naturally present on the skin.
According to the doctor, “a nosocomial infection can occur even when everything has been done according to the rules: disinfection, antibiotic prophylaxis and skin preparation”.
Serious symptoms and urgent treatment
An infection of this type quickly triggers inflammation, pain, swelling and delays healing. It requires surgical washing and long, targeted antibiotic therapy, sometimes administered by regular infusion, which Sydney Govou experienced for several months.
Dr. Kierzek explains: “The danger is that the infection spreads to neighboring tissues. If it progresses or resists treatment, it can cause necrosis.”
When amputation becomes an extreme resort
In the most severe cases, the infection can indeed become a life threat.
“When the infection gains ground or threatens to cause sepsis, amputation may become the only solution to save the patient’s life”explains the emergency doctor.
Several factors increase the risk of infection:
- A weakened state of health (diabetes, obesity, smoking);
- Insufficient hygiene around the operated area;
- Complications during rehabilitation;
- Or an infection located elsewhere in the body.
Sydney Govou, extraordinary resilience
The interview still ends on a hopeful note. At the time, doctors told Sydney Govou that he would no longer play football and that he might even lose the ability to run. But the former Lyonnais refuses to give up. He first started again as an amateur in Chasselay, still plays today with the veterans, and even manages to run part of the famous Sainté-Lyon race.
His journey reminds us how post-operative infections, although rare, can disrupt a life, and how a patient’s determination and appropriate care can change the outcome.
As a reminder, in France, it is estimated that the risk of nosocomial infection occurs in 6 to 7% of hospitalizations. This represents approximately 750,000 cases each year out of 15 million patients.