Harley Street surgeon accused of botching facial reconstruction op that left ... trends now
A leading Harley Street surgeon accused of botching a facial reconstruction operation that left a woman with a split in her face has been cleared of wrongdoing after a fellow senior doctor hired as an 'impartial' expert witness was caught complaining about him to another patient.
Consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon Luke Cascarini, 52, had faced severe reputational damage after a woman claimed he had bungled surgery on her jaw and chin which left her with a split to the right side of her face.
But during a disciplinary hearing it emerged another male consultant instructed to investigate the operation and compile a report on it was 'biased' against Cascarini following a previous probe and had 'negative preconceptions' about him.
In one incident the unnamed surgeon - known as Mr F - was said to be 'rude and arrogant' when treating another patient of Cascarini.
He is said to have claimed his fellow consultant was 'not good' at his job and alleged he had carried out unnecessary surgery for money.
Consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon Luke Cascarini, 52, (pictured) had faced severe reputational damage after a woman claimed he had bungled surgery on her jaw and chin which left her with a split to the right side of her face
During a disciplinary hearing it emerged another male consultant instructed to investigate the operation and compile a report on it was 'biased' against Cascarini (pictured) following a previous probe and had 'negative preconceptions' about him
He was also said to have been 'disparaging' about Cascarini and highlighted unrelated cases when subsequently discussing the investigation with a colleague.
At the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service, Cascarini who was practising privately as a consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon at the Harley Street Specialist Hospital in Marylebone, London, faced misconduct charges.
But he was cleared after a disciplinary panel condemned Mr F for making 'inappropriate comments' and said his evidence could not be relied upon.
The woman - known as Patient A - is believed to be currently pursuing a medical negligence claim against Cascarini who is said to be one of the UK's top specialist mouth, jaw and face surgeons and an honorary consultant at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust.
He was found guilty of failing to maintain adequate patient records but no action was taken against him.
The investigation began in 2021 - two years after Cascarini carried out the UK's first jawbone replacement using a 3D-printed mandible incorporating a titanium frame.
Patient A had undergone a bilateral maxillary osteotomy and a genioplasty procedure after complaining of facial pain due to the misalignment of her teeth.
But the Manchester hearing was told the operation 'did not run as smoothly as hoped' when usual cuts applied to the jaw by Cascarini resulted in an 'adverse split' which required further treatment.
In one incident the unnamed surgeon - known as Mr F - was said to be 'rude and arrogant' when treating another patient of Cascarini (pictured)
Initially Cascarini was said to have described the procedure as a 'success' but then carried out further surgery after Patient A developed a hole in her gum and he was reported to the General Medical Council.
Mr F, also a consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon, was instructed by GMC to provide an expert report and in addition he provided four supplemental expert reports in which he stated: 'I confirm that I do not have a conflict of interest, and see no reason why I am unable to prepare this report. I have not met nor do I know Mr Cascarini.'
But trouble began when it emerged Mr F had been making derogatory remarks about his fellow surgeon whilst treating another patient who had been referred to Dr Cascarini in 2020.
The patient - known as Patient C - had been involved in an unrelated personal injury claim following a road accident and was examined by Mr F over issues with her jaw and came forward to give a statement.
Patient C said: 'Mr F started asking me a series of questions including who had referred me to Dr Cascarini and why they had referred me to him.
'Mr F then said Dr Cascarini was not good at his job and that he had operated on me unnecessarily as there was
