Melbourne: Australian authorities have referred a Melbourne-based surgeon to police following allegations that he performed unnecessary operations, including the removal of reproductive organs, according to state officials and local media reports. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced that allegations raised in an investigative report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) had been referred to Victoria Police.

According to Anadolu Agency, the ABC's Four Corners program alleged that surgeon Simon Gordon repeatedly performed surgery on patients diagnosed with what they were told was 'severe' endometriosis, despite pathology results that did not support those diagnoses. Some patients reportedly had their ovaries removed, while one woman underwent a hysterectomy.

Victoria Police confirmed it had received the referral and was assessing the information. Premier Allan emphasized the severity of the allegations, stating, "Without commenting on the specific case, let me be clear: performing unnecessary surgery is a crime, removing a woman's organs without a clinical need is a crime, and assisting in that conduct is a crime." She further asserted that victims "deserve justice" and that the state "demands answers."

In response to the situation, Allan mentioned that the government would move to standardize diagnostic guidelines for endometriosis and is considering introducing a 'pink tick' certification for clinicians who complete government-approved training. Gynecologists who reviewed patient records told Four Corners that many of the surgeries were unnecessary and, in some cases, caused "more harm than good."

The report also highlighted that complaints about Gordon were made over five years to Epworth Private Hospital, the medical regulator AHPRA, and Victoria's Healthcare Complaints Commission. Gordon, who retired after being asked to take leave from Epworth in October, stated that he never performed surgery unless he believed it was in a patient's best interests.