I was told I had stage 4 endometriosis, my pathology results showed none | Four Corners

Key Concepts

• Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it.
• Laparoscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive surgical procedure using small incisions and a camera.
• Hystopathology: The microscopic examination of tissue to diagnose disease.
• Excision: The complete removal of diseased tissue.
• Operation Report: A detailed record of a surgical procedure.
• Stage Four Endometriosis: A severe classification of endometriosis, indicating widespread disease.
• Pathology Report: A medical laboratory report that gives analysis of body tissue or fluids.

Discrepancies in Endometriosis Diagnosis and Surgical Intervention

The case of Abby Lewis highlights a concerning pattern of misdiagnosis and potentially unnecessary surgery for endometriosis. On November 24th, Abby Lewis underwent laparoscopic surgery performed by Dr. Simon Gordon at Epworth Hospital. Prior to and following the surgery, Dr. Gordon explicitly diagnosed Abby with severe, Stage Four endometriosis, a diagnosis documented both in direct communication with Abby and within the official operation report. The operation report specifically states “endo excised,” indicating the surgical removal of endometriosis tissue.

Pathology Report Contradicts Surgical Diagnosis

However, the subsequent hystopathology report – the microscopic examination of the tissue removed during surgery – presents a stark contradiction. The report’s “Conclusion” clearly states: “no endometriosis is identified.” This finding directly challenges Dr. Gordon’s pre- and post-operative diagnosis and the assertion that endometriosis tissue was excised. Abby Lewis expresses the profound impact of this discrepancy, stating, “He’s hurt my body for no reason.”

A Pattern of Similar Cases

Abby Lewis’s experience is not isolated. Investigative journalism by Four Corners revealed that other women who underwent surgery with Dr. Simon Gordon also received diagnoses of endometriosis after their operations, despite their pathology reports showing no evidence of the condition. This suggests a systemic issue with diagnostic accuracy and potentially inappropriate surgical interventions.

Investigation Trigger & Documentation

The Four Corners investigation prompted Abby Lewis to request her pathology results, ultimately uncovering the discrepancy between the surgical diagnosis and the pathological findings. The investigation focused on Dr. Simon Gordon and the practices at Epworth Hospital. The core evidence centers around the documented operation report stating endometriosis excision and the subsequent pathology report explicitly denying the presence of the disease.

Implications & Concerns

The presented evidence raises serious questions about the diagnostic practices of Dr. Gordon and the potential for unnecessary surgical procedures being performed on women based on a diagnosis unsupported by pathological evidence. The case underscores the critical importance of obtaining and reviewing pathology reports following surgical interventions for endometriosis, and the potential harm caused by inaccurate diagnoses.