Back
Other

Gynaecologist Under Investigation for Allegedly Unnecessary Surgeries; Institutions Face Scrutiny

Generated on: Last updated: 7 sources
View source

Melbourne Gynaecologist Under Investigation for Alleged Unnecessary Surgeries

A Melbourne gynaecologist, Dr. Simon Gordon, is under investigation following allegations of repeatedly performing unnecessary surgeries, including the removal of reproductive organs, for "severe" endometriosis. This occurred in patients whose pathology reports often indicated minimal or no evidence of the disease. The serious allegations have prompted multiple institutional reviews, government and regulatory actions, and a surge of complaints from former patients.

Allegations of Unnecessary Surgeries

Dr. Simon Gordon, whose practice was branded "Endo Health" and was described as a highly active laparoscopic surgeon at Epworth Hospital, is alleged to have performed numerous surgeries for severe endometriosis. An investigation revealed that his operation notes and correspondence with general practitioners frequently referred to endometriosis, which often contradicted subsequent pathology findings that showed little to no histological evidence of the condition. Dr. Gordon also reportedly billed Medicare using item number 35641, designated for severe endometriosis, even in cases where pathology did not support the diagnosis.

In a statement, Dr. Gordon asserted that he "never performed surgery to treat endometriosis, or any other condition, unless I was absolutely convinced it was in the patient's best interests." He added that "individual patients are typically very complex with very detailed histories" and that he always acted "ethically and responsibly," denying awareness of complaints or Medicare contact regarding inappropriate billing.

Patient Accounts and Impact

Numerous former patients have come forward with accounts alleging unnecessary procedures and severe post-operative pain.

  • Courtney Paton: At 28, Ms. Paton is medically infertile after undergoing seven surgeries performed by Dr. Gordon. By age 25, both her ovaries and uterus had been removed. Pathology results from these operations repeatedly indicated no signs of endometriosis. Ms. Paton's parents reportedly paid over $32,000 for her surgeries. A gynaecologist reviewing the histopathology of one removed ovary described it as a "normal, young ovary" that "didn't need to be removed." Ms. Paton experienced severe post-traumatic stress related to the loss of her fertility and required admission to a psychiatric hospital. Her solicitor has reported over 80 similar cases.
  • Other Patients: Mary Spanos and Jess Foster reported debilitating pain post-surgery, with pathology reports later showing "no endometriosis present." Abbey Lewis reportedly avoided an unnecessary ovary removal after a fertility specialist intervened, subsequently becoming pregnant, with pathology again showing no endometriosis despite Dr. Gordon's operation report. Claire Gallaher and Sophie Wilkinson also complained to the medical regulator in 2024, alleging "unnecessarily aggressive" surgeries, though their complaints were initially dismissed.

More than 100 former patients are reportedly seeking legal advice, with one law firm alone noting contact from over 450 women. A private support group for former patients includes over 200 women.

Expert Medical Opinions

Medical experts who reviewed patient records and pathology reports have raised concerns about Dr. Gordon's practices.

Professor Thierry Vancaillie, a Sydney gynaecologist and pain specialist, stated he "could not see a justification" for the removal of Ms. Paton's ovaries and opined that "none of the seven surgeries Courtney had with Dr Gordon were necessary."

  • Other gynaecologists, including Shamitha Kathurusinghe and Desiree Yap, expressed concerns about repeated unnecessary surgeries and organ removals in patients with no endometriosis.
  • Professors of gynaecology have highlighted that removing ovaries in young women for non-cancerous conditions is outside standard practice, particularly when pathology does not confirm severe disease.

Concerns were also noted about a culture where clinicians may fear reprisal for reporting colleagues, potentially impacting patient care quality.

Endometriosis Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) best practice guidelines emphasize medical imaging, such as transvaginal pelvic ultrasound or MRI, as the first diagnostic option for endometriosis. Laparoscopic surgery is not recommended as a first-line diagnostic tool due to advances in imaging technology.

Guidelines also state there is limited evidence for laparoscopic surgery reducing endometriosis-associated pain and no evidence supporting routine repeated surgery. Hysterectomy is not consistently effective in improving symptoms, and organ preservation, especially in younger women, is highly prioritized, with organ removal considered only in rare circumstances. Experts recommend comprehensive initial consultations, exploration of non-surgical avenues, and involvement of a fertility specialist if reproductive organ removal is considered.

Institutional Responses and Reviews

Epworth Hospital

Concerns about Dr. Gordon's practices were reportedly raised with multiple managers at Epworth Hospital as early as June 2022, escalating through various levels of hospital management. Epworth's Chief Medical Officer asked Dr. Gordon to go on leave in early November, shortly after the hospital learned of a media investigation. He subsequently retired from Epworth and removed himself from the medical register in December.

Epworth HealthCare CEO Andrew Stripp acknowledged the "deeply distressing" experiences of patients and announced an independent external review into the hospital's clinical governance. Safer Care Victoria representatives are on the review panel. Epworth stated the review focuses on "clinical governance systems and processes" rather than individual clinical care, which is under the medical regulator's jurisdiction. The hospital also established a support and referral line for affected individuals. Epworth noted it referred the matter to the regulator in October (2024, implied) after concerns were raised with senior management. The hospital has faced scrutiny for allegedly involving its legal department in discussions regarding patient concerns.

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

AHPRA, the national medical regulator, is conducting a large-scale investigation into Dr. Gordon, requesting thousands of pages of patient files from Epworth. Complaints against Dr. Gordon to AHPRA date back almost four years. In October 2024, AHPRA initially informed two patients that their complaints alleging aggressive surgeries would not be pursued, concluding Dr. Gordon had acted to an acceptable standard. However, unbeknownst to these patients, AHPRA had begun investigating another set of complaints a month prior in September 2024, stemming from a gynaecology professor regarding alleged unnecessary ovary removals.

AHPRA has since received a surge of new complaints and stated it is "actively reviewing [its] methodology" for assessing such cases, confirming it commissions independent medical experts for complex matters.

Government and Regulatory Scrutiny

  • Victorian Government: Premier Jacinta Allan referred the allegations against Dr. Gordon to the police, stating that performing unnecessary surgery or removing organs without clinical need is a crime. The Victorian government also announced that Safer Care Victoria would publish clinical guidelines recommending ultrasound as the initial diagnostic step for endometriosis and provide additional training for doctors. A dedicated hotline for patients with endometriosis and pelvic pain concerns has also been launched.
  • Federal Health Minister: Mark Butler described the allegations as "physically sickening," "one of the worst cases I've seen," and "incredibly distressing," requesting his Victorian counterpart consider a Safer Care Victoria inquiry into Epworth's clinical governance.
  • Victorian Health Minister: Mary-Anne Thomas criticized AHPRA for being "too slow to act" and not taking women's complaints seriously, also expressing concern that Epworth was not informed by AHPRA that Dr. Gordon was under investigation.
  • RANZCOG: The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists expressed distress over the allegations and confirmed Dr. Gordon is no longer a member.
  • Medicare: Medicare is investigating Dr. Gordon's billing practices.
  • Victoria's Healthcare Complaints Commission: This body also reportedly received complaints.

Legal and Systemic Discussions

Legal experts have characterized AHPRA's regulatory system as "reactive rather than preventative," suggesting it often identifies patterns of poor care only after significant harm has occurred. There are calls for an easier-to-access complaint system and a revision of patient workflows to be more responsive and protective, particularly regarding how women's pain is perceived and treated.

While police are investigating potential criminal conduct, medical negligence cases are typically handled by civil courts. Patients pursuing civil negligence claims may seek financial compensation for pain, suffering, loss of income, and medical expenses.