Multiple patients have alleged that the doctor carried out unnecessary surgeries for severe endometriosis.
SYDNEY: An Australian gynaecologist was referred to police on Tuesday following media allegations that he performed unnecessary surgeries on women, including the removal of organs
Multiple patients of Melbourne surgeon Simon Gordon told the public broadcaster Australian Broadcasting Corporation that he performed surgeries on them for severe endometriosis despite little or no evidence that they had the condition. Some said they experienced pain for months or even years after the procedures.
Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb.
One patient reportedly had her ovaries and uterus removed, but pathology results showed little to no sign of the disease, according to the broadcaster. A senior surgeon told ABC that one sample showed only a negligible amount of possible endometriosis, with no medical justification for removing her ovaries.
Another woman said she underwent surgery after being diagnosed with endometriosis, even though earlier pathology reports showed no evidence of the disease. Six years later, she said she could not walk for more than five minutes without pain and described a significant decline in her quality of life.
Gordon has denied any wrongdoing, stating that he only performed surgery when he was “absolutely convinced” it was in the patient’s best interests. AFP has reached out to the recently retired surgeon for comment.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan said she was “sickened” by the allegations and confirmed they had been referred to police. She added that performing unnecessary surgery or removing organs without clinical need is a crime.
Victoria Police said they are currently “assessing information” following the referral. The ABC reported that complaints against the doctor had been lodged by patients and clinicians over a five-year period with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
Victoria’s premier urged the regulator to take complaints seriously and carry out investigations in a “timely manner.”
“If that has not happened in this case, they must explain why and ensure it does not happen again,” she added.
The Australian regulator said in a statement that it recognizes the distress of patients and is “actively reviewing our overall approach to assessing and handling these types of cases.”
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