Debra Buchanan, a 69-year-old pensioner, had part of her external genitalia mistakenly removed during a scheduled skin cancer operation at Sunshine Hospital in Australia, according to the New York Post. Buchanan was admitted on January 23, 2026, to remove a cancerous skin tumor in her pelvic area.
Nurses in the ward mistook Buchanan for another patient named Deborah. When staff prepared to wheel her to the operating room, Buchanan asked whether they meant Buchanan, and the nurses answered affirmatively.
A roommate, who was also named Deborah, attempted to ask if a mix-up had occurred. Hospital personnel assured the roommate that everything was correct before surgeons proceeded to excise a large part of Buchanan's external genitalia instead of the tumor.
Patient mix-up and discovery
Buchanan realized the error after waking from the operation and going to the restroom, where she experienced heavy bleeding. When she asked questions, a nurse told her the bleeding was part of the procedure.
Buchanan stated that her tumor was in a different place, and upon touching the area, she discovered the tumor had not been removed. A junior surgeon later examined Buchanan and looked at her as if she were crazy when she explained the mistake.
The hospital discharged Buchanan without offering a clear explanation. She was later forced to return to the same facility to undergo surgery for the actual tumor.
Legal action and hospital response
Buchanan said she was terrified and now feels anxiety whenever she needs to visit a doctor. She said she lost her self-confidence and added that staff must not make mistakes on a person because it is a human life rather than a broken cup.
Buchanan said hospital officials attributed the error to a staffing shortage at the time of the procedure. Her lawyers are preparing a lawsuit in the Supreme Court.
Hospital representatives stated they could not comment on the specific case. However, the facility confirmed that it maintains a policy of openness and conducts investigations into such incidents.
