In a shocking medical malpractice case, a Florida surgeon is alleged to have mistakenly removed a patient’s liver instead of his spleen, resulting in the patient’s death during the operation. The incident has sparked investigations and raised serious questions about surgical competence and hospital protocols.
Tragic Spleen Surgery Turns Deadly at Florida Hospital
William Bryan, a 70-year-old man from Alabama, traveled to Florida with his wife Beverly to visit their rental property. During their visit, Bryan experienced pain and was admitted to Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast hospital in Miramar, Florida, due to concerns about spleen abnormalities. Despite initial hesitation from the Bryans about undergoing surgery in Florida, they were convinced by Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, a general surgeon, and Dr. Christopher Bacani, the hospital’s chief medical officer, that surgery was necessary to prevent potential complications.
According to a statement from Zarzaur Law, representing Beverly Bryan, both Dr. Shaknovsky and Dr. Bacani were involved in the discussions regarding William Bryan’s treatment plan. On August 21st, Dr. Shaknovsky proceeded with a hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the spleen. However, the surgery took a catastrophic turn when, instead of the spleen, Dr. Shaknovsky allegedly removed Mr. Bryan’s liver.
Liver Removal Leads to Immediate Fatality
The legal statement asserts that “Dr. Shaknovsky removed Mr. Bryan’s liver and, in so doing, transected the major vasculature supplying the liver, causing immediate and catastrophic blood loss resulting in death.” Adding to the gravity of the error, it is claimed that the surgeon initially labeled the removed organ as a “spleen.” It was only after Mr. Bryan’s death that the devastating truth was discovered – the organ removed was the liver, not the spleen.
Beverly Bryan’s legal team further alleges that Dr. Shaknovsky attempted to explain the error by claiming Mr. Bryan’s spleen was abnormally large, “four times bigger than normal,” and had shifted to the opposite side of his body. However, this explanation strains credulity given the significant size difference and distinct anatomical locations of the liver and spleen in the human body. As a point of reference, the Cleveland Clinic notes that a typical human spleen is approximately the size of an avocado, while a liver is considerably larger, around the size of a football. This stark contrast in size and location underscores the magnitude of the alleged surgical error where the Doctor Removes Liver Instead Of Spleen.
Investigation Launched into Surgical Negligence
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that they are investigating Mr. Bryan’s death in coordination with other authorities, including the District 1 Medical Examiner’s Office and the Office of the State Attorney, to determine if any criminal actions were involved. Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast hospital stated that they are conducting a “thorough investigation” into the incident and take such allegations “very seriously,” emphasizing their commitment to patient safety.
Adding another layer of concern, Zarzaur Law revealed that Dr. Shaknovsky was involved in a similar incident in 2023 where he reportedly removed portions of a pancreas instead of an adrenal gland, a case that was privately settled. This prior incident raises further questions about the surgeon’s surgical judgment and the hospital’s oversight mechanisms.
Widow Seeks Justice and Prevents Future Errors
Beverly Bryan is understandably devastated and is seeking both criminal and civil proceedings. Through her attorney, she expressed her anguish, stating, “My husband died while helpless on the operating room table by Dr. Shaknovsky. I don’t want anyone else to die due to his incompetence at a hospital that should have known or knew he had previously made drastic, life-altering surgical mistakes.”
Zarzaur Law is committed to pursuing justice for the Bryan family, highlighting the need for accountability in the medical profession. Joe Zarzaur stated, “While most doctors are doing excellent work to keep us healthy, there is a small percentage that should not be practicing medicine.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, a search of the Florida Board of Medicine indicated that Dr. Shaknovsky’s medical license remains active, as does Dr. Bacani’s. The investigation into this tragic case continues as Beverly Bryan seeks answers and accountability for the loss of her husband in what appears to be a devastating case of a doctor removes liver instead of spleen during surgery.
