Widely regarded as the greatest cyclist in history, 80-year-old Eddy Merckx underwent a successful surgical hip washout on Monday, a procedure intended to halt the infection that has lingered for weeks. The operation, combined with antibiotic therapy, aims to reduce infection levels and stabilize his condition.“Now we have to wait and see, but in any case, he’s fine,” his son, Axel Merckx, explained after the procedure, in comments reported by Het Laatste Nieuws.
Following that accident, Merckx received a hip prosthesis, but the progression was not as expected. The implant failed to bond properly to the bone, forcing repeat surgeries and prolonging his recovery.
Six operations in half a year
Since then, the five-time Tour de France winner has been in the operating theatre six times in barely half a year, with four different prostheses implanted. All these procedures were performed under general anesthesia, an especially demanding process at his age.
After the last operation, in September of last year, the situation appeared to have stabilised. However, the recent infection again disrupted the recovery process.
“But the process didn’t go as well as we hoped,” admitted Axel Merckx, explaining the need to step up treatment.
A more aggressive treatment
With the initial antibiotic course failing to deliver, the medical team opted for a more forceful solution. The procedure consisted of a surgical washout of the prosthesis, also under general anaesthesia, aimed at removing pus and infected tissue to tackle the bacterial infection.
“Everything went according to plan. He has moved from the intensive care unit to a regular room and, given the circumstances, he’s doing well,” his son assured.
Monitoring progress
The next step is to observe how his body responds to the treatment. His progress will dictate the recovery timeline in a process that, according to those close to him, will require time and patience.
“Now we have to wait and see if the washout has the desired effect”.
Eddy Merckx in action in 1974.