A Florida surgeon stands accused of removing a patient’s liver instead of his spleen during what should have been a routine procedure, resulting in catastrophic blood loss and death on the operating table. The case has shocked the medical community and raised urgent questions about surgical oversight and accountability.

Fatal Mistake in Operating Room

Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky of Destin performed surgery on 70-year-old William Bryan at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital on August 21, 2024. Bryan, visiting from Alabama with his wife Beverly, had sought treatment for left-sided flank pain and suspected spleen abnormality. During the scheduled laparoscopic splenectomy, Shaknovsky allegedly removed Bryan’s liver instead, causing immediate fatal blood loss. A Walton County Grand Jury has now indicted the doctor on second-degree manslaughter charges following an extensive investigation.

Disturbing Pattern Emerges

This was not Shaknovsky’s first surgical error. Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo suspended his medical license in September 2024 after reviewing this case alongside a 2023 incident where Shaknovsky removed part of another patient’s pancreas instead of the adrenal gland. According to reports, the doctor claimed the adrenal gland had migrated to a different body location. Shaknovsky currently holds retired status with the Florida Department of Health, meaning he cannot practice medicine in the state. Sheriff Michael Adkinson emphasized his office’s commitment to following the facts without fear or favor.

Family Seeks Justice

Zarzaur Law, a Pensacola firm representing Bryan’s family, has filed a civil lawsuit citing wrongful death, medical malpractice, and personal injury. The criminal case proceeds as Shaknovsky awaits his first court appearance at Walton County Jail. Beverly Bryan lost her husband during what was meant to be a straightforward surgical procedure to address abdominal pain. The grand jury determined that the actions in the operating room constituted criminal conduct under Florida law, moving beyond typical medical negligence into the realm of criminal prosecution.

Medical Accountability Under Scrutiny

This case highlights critical concerns about surgical safeguards and medical board oversight. Multiple incidents involving organ misidentification raise questions about hospital protocols, peer review processes, and how surgeons maintain privileges despite previous errors. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office coordinated with state attorneys and medical authorities during the investigation. As the criminal prosecution advances, the medical community faces renewed pressure to examine how such catastrophic mistakes occur and what systemic changes might prevent future tragedies. The Bryan family’s unspeakable loss underscores the ultimate responsibility physicians bear when patients trust them with their lives.