Serbian national bobsleigh player Nikola Milinkovic underwent bloodless operation of "sports hernia" in "Vita" hospital

Serbian national bobsleigh player Nikola Milinkovic underwent bloodless operation of "sports hernia" in "Vita" hospital yesterday. The operation was performed by Dr. Rosen Toushev - Head of Surgery department of the hospital and head of the "Vita Hernia Center."

"I am 23 and the future is ahead of me. I hope that there are many forthcoming competitions for me and I want to be in shape and be a full part of the team.", said Nikola several minutes before the surgery.

Following the standards imposed by the European Hernia Society - EHS, whose member is Dr. Toushev in "Vita Hernia Center" we perform with priority laparoscopic (bloodless) hernia operations. The method results in a faster, painless and easy recovery of the patient with minimal pain and trauma and excellent cosmetic results.

The so called "Sports hernia" is a damage in the groin ("damage of the groin by Gilmore"), which is relatively rare and is typical for active athletes. Damage is characterized by chronic pain in the groin in athletes and expansion of the outer opening of the inguinal canal. It is most commonly seen in active professional athletes, but it is possible to develop in amateur athletes as well.

Symptoms of the disease are expressed in pain on exercise and movement, particularly in extension of the hip, twisting and turning. The pain usually radiates to the adductor and testicles, but often for the patient is difficult to indicate the exact location of pain. Over time, complaints increase progressively.

Formally speaking, in this case we do not actually observe real herniation. Surgery in "sports hernia" is linked to the performance of surgical reconstruction, similar to the iliac hernia, in order to correct the problem.

Avout Nikola Milinkovic:

Nikola Milinkovic has been part of the National Bobsleigh team of Serbia for 3 years, with 8 years background as light athlete.

Interview

When did you realize you have a problem and what were the first symptoms that you noticed?

The problem showed up in August last year. I started to feel pressure and discomfort in the groin, even during the warm-up and it did not allow me to take enough pressure.

Do you often encounter the problem of "sports hernia" among athletes involved in bobsleigh? Do you know colleagues with similar to your complaints?

I do not know how common it is. I do not know any colleagues with a similar problem. I have heard, however, that it is common among proffessional players.

Have you taken any measures to treat the condition before you came to the hospital for surgery, and if so - what?

Бяха ми предписани кортикостероидни и противовъзпалителни медикаменти, както и физиотерапия, но за съжаление не ми помогнаха. Наложи се да се състезавам цял сезон в това състояние, което ме направи непълноценен за отбора. I was taking corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory medications and underwent physical therapy, but unfortunately they did not help me.

What made you decide to undergo surgery?

I am 23 and the future is ahead of me. I hope that there are many forthcoming competitions for me and I want to be in shape and be a full part of the team.

Why did you choose "Vita Hernia Center" and the team of Dr. Tushev?

I was advised to visit Dr. Tushev by my manager and coach Tsvetozar Victorov which is actually the first Bulgarian bobsleigh player and a man to whom I owe my professional success.