In February 2026, ABC News and Four Corners reported concerns about the treatment of a young woman who underwent repeated surgery for endometriosis. The reporting said that independent specialists who reviewed her medical records questioned whether some of the procedures were medically justified.
The report described the removal of both of the woman’s ovaries and, later, her uterus. These are serious and irreversible outcomes. However, a report about concerns raised by specialists does not, by itself, establish that medical negligence occurred. That depends on the evidence in each case.
What did the ABC and Four Corners report?
According to the ABC News investigation, the patient first underwent laparoscopic surgery with another surgeon in 2018. The ABC reported that this was the only one of her eight operations that definitively identified endometriosis.
The patient later consulted Melbourne gynaecologist Simon Gordon because her pelvic pain had continued. The ABC reported that Dr Gordon performed seven operations on her. Histopathology reportedly did not identify endometriosis following a number of those procedures. Treatment eventually included removing both ovaries and, in 2023, the patient’s uterus. The ABC reported that histopathology after the hysterectomy did not show endometriosis.
The ABC also reported Dr Gordon’s position that he had acted ethically and responsibly, and had only performed surgery when convinced it was in the patient’s best interests.
When could surgery amount to medical negligence?
As part of its investigation, Four Corners provided the patient’s operation notes, photographs, histopathology and billing information to Sydney gynaecologist and pain specialist Professor Thierry Vancaillie. He told the program that, in his opinion, he could not see a justification for removing the patient’s ovaries and that none of the seven operations performed by Dr Gordon was necessary.
The ABC also reported that clinicians involved in the patient’s care raised concerns. After the patient’s second ovary was removed in 2022, a clinician reportedly escalated concerns within Epworth HealthCare.
These reported concerns raise questions about the treatment, but not every unsuccessful operation, complication or incorrect diagnosis amounts to medical negligence. The circumstances of each case need to be carefully assessed, including the decisions made at the time, the available medical evidence, the advice given to the patient and whether the treatment caused harm.
A claim may require review of medical records and independent opinion from appropriately qualified specialists. Read more about medical negligence claims and how surgical treatment may give rise to a claim.
The psychological impact of serious medical harm
Medical treatment can have consequences beyond the physical effects of an operation. The emotional impact may be particularly significant when treatment results in an irreversible outcome, such as loss of fertility, or when a patient later questions whether surgery was necessary.
The ABC reported that the patient was admitted to a private psychiatric hospital with severe post-traumatic stress, which she attributed to the loss of her fertility. It also reported that she was medically infertile following the removal of her reproductive organs.
Psychological effects can form part of the overall harm a person experiences. Their significance will depend on the person’s circumstances and the medical evidence.
Lifelong consequences
The ABC reported that the patient was medically infertile after the removal of both ovaries and later underwent a hysterectomy at 25. She described the loss of the opportunity to have a family as something that could never be restored.
Loss of fertility can affect a person’s health, relationships and future plans. Where gynaecological treatment has caused injury, the physical and psychological consequences may both need to be considered. Stacks Goudkamp’s page on gynaecological injury claims explains more about claims involving gynaecological treatment and surgery.
Compensation for physical and psychological injuries
If medical negligence is established, compensation may take account of the harm and losses caused by the treatment. Depending on the circumstances, a claim may involve:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Psychological or psychiatric injury
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Past and future treatment expenses
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Past and future loss of income or earning capacity
- Care and assistance needs
The types of compensation available depend on the facts, the evidence and the law that applies to the claim.
What can I do if I’m concerned about surgery I’ve had?
A patient may not know straight away whether their treatment was negligent. Concerns may arise later, for example, after getting another medical opinion or reviewing pathology results and other medical records.
If you are concerned about treatment you have received, obtaining your medical records and seeking independent legal advice may help you understand your options. An experienced medical negligence lawyer can review the circumstances, obtain relevant records and, where appropriate, arrange for independent specialists to assess the treatment and its consequences.
Time limits apply to medical negligence claims. If you are concerned that medical treatment may have caused you harm, seek legal advice promptly.
How Stacks Goudkamp Lawyers can help
The consequences of medical negligence may extend beyond physical injury. Unnecessary surgery, inappropriate treatment or issues with diagnosis and consent can have serious effects on a person’s health and wellbeing.
Stacks Goudkamp’s medical negligence lawyers can investigate the treatment you received, obtain and review medical records and, where appropriate, arrange for independent medical experts to assess what occurred and the impact of your injuries.
If you or a loved one is concerned about harm caused by unnecessary or inappropriate medical treatment, contact Stacks Goudkamp to discuss your circumstances and potential rights to compensation.
