Here’s what you should know:
1. Dr. Vastola was accused by a former patient of conducting a “slapdash colonoscopy.” The patient developed colon cancer 18 months after Dr. Vastola performed a colonoscopy in 2011.
2. Dr. Vastola performed a second colonoscopy in 2013 and found the disease had spread.
3. A gastroenterology expert for the patient said Dr. Vastola’s colonoscopy allegedly did not meet the standard of care, based on lax record keeping and the polyps discovered in 2013.
4. The defense argued Dr. Vastola’s colonoscopy did meet medical standards. They argued the cancer wasn’t discovered during that procedure because “it didn’t exist or was imperceptible.”
5. Dr. Vastola’s lawyer argued the patient’s cancer was a statistical outlier.
6. The jury reached its verdict after 90 minutes of deliberating, clearing Dr. Vastola of all responsibility.
More articles on gastroenterology:
GI center to know: Digestive Diseases Center
Exact Sciences partners with the Packers & more — 5 GI company key notes
Exact Sciences, Green Bay Packers partner to tackle colon cancer — 6 insights
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.