Surgeon reprimanded after abdominoplasty left patient needing 12 surgeries
Dr Gary Kode was reprimanded for not explaining surgery risks before a 2019 abdominoplasty. The procedure caused severe complications.
A Tasmanian plastic surgeon has been reprimanded after a patient suffered severe complications after surgery. Dr Gary Kode performed an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) on the patient in 2019.
The patient needed 12 follow-up surgeries and skin grafts. Expert witnesses agreed the initial surgery was performed well.
But the patient developed tissue death around the surgical site four days later. This required years of corrective procedures.
The Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal found Dr Kode guilty of unprofessional conduct. He did not explain the specific risks of abdominoplasty surgery.
The surgery carries a 20 to 30 per cent complication rate. The tribunal noted he skipped a second pre-surgery consultation.
This was his standard practice for detailed risk discussions. Dr Kode has since surrendered his specialist registration.
- 12
- Follow-up surgeries
- 2
- Skin grafts needed
- 20 to 30 per cent
- Complication rate
- Calvary St Vincent's Hospital, Launceston
- Hospital
Why it mattersPatients undergoing cosmetic surgery deserve a full explanation of the real risks. This lets them make an informed choice about their treatment.
AustraliaThe case strengthens Australian standards for informed consent in cosmetic surgery, requiring surgeons to discuss specific complications in detail before patients agree to procedures.
Corroborated bytheadvocate.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 10 d ago
