Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, a 44-year-old osteopathic surgeon practicing in Destin, Florida, was taken into custody on Monday. He faces charges of second-degree involuntary manslaughter after mistakenly removing a patient's liver instead of the spleen.
This grave surgical blunder occurred during an operation in August 2024, leading to the patient's death on the operating table.
The charges were filed after a Walton County grand jury determined there was probable cause to prosecute, citing that his actions in the operating room amounted to "criminal conduct under Florida law," according to local media reports.
A Tragic Surgical Error
Dr. Shaknovsky is accused in the death of William Bryan, a 70-year-old Alabama resident who died during surgery at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast hospital.
According to the investigation, Shaknovsky was performing a laparoscopic splenectomy—surgery intended to remove the spleen—when he allegedly removed the liver by mistake.
Authorities stated that this error caused "catastrophic blood loss and the patient's death on the operating table."
Family's Resistence to Surgery
The unfortunate incident began days before the operation. Bryan, along with his wife Beverly, was in Florida when he suffered severe side pain.
Upon visiting the hospital, doctors discovered a mass on his spleen and recommended surgical intervention. However, the family was hesitant.
"I told him we didn't want surgery in Florida, we wanted to return home," Beverly recalled after the tragedy. Yet, according to her, the doctor insisted: "You won't make it home with him. He's bleeding internally."
Ultimately, Bryan consented to the operation, which he tragically did not survive.
Surgeon's Explanation and Autopsy Findings
After the surgery, Shaknovsky told the widow the death was due to a ruptured splenic aneurysm. However, the autopsy painted a different picture: the spleen was untouched, and instead, the liver was removed.
"I just couldn't believe it," said Beverly upon learning the autopsy results.
During the investigation, the doctor admitted difficulty in correctly identifying the organs. He claimed he acted amid "shock and confusion," citing the patient's unusual anatomy.
He confessed to inserting instruments "blindly" into the abdomen and failing to clearly identify the organ he was removing.
Alarming Operation Conditions
Medical staff testimonies described a chaotic scene in the operating room. Official documents indicate the team was concerned about the complexity of the procedure and the surgeon's lack of experience.
The operation took place late in the day with a reduced team, escalating into a critical situation as the patient began to bleed heavily.
Witnesses reported that the surgeon proceeded even when the abdomen was filled with blood, neglecting essential tools. At a key moment, upon identifying a blood vessel, he reportedly remarked, "That's scary."
The extracted organ, later confirmed to be the liver, was initially labeled as the "spleen."
Questionable Medical History
This incident is not isolated. Health authorities had previously documented troubling incidents in Shaknovsky's career.
In Alabama, where he also held a license, he faced accusations of malpractice in 2023, including allegedly removing part of a pancreas instead of the adrenal gland during a routine surgery. Another case involved an improper intestinal resection leading to a patient's death.
Authorities warned that the doctor "could pose an immediate danger to his patients and the public."
His medical license was suspended in Florida shortly after Bryan's death, followed by suspensions in Alabama and New York.
Current Legal Proceedings
Shaknovsky remains in Walton County jail, facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted. It is yet unclear if he has legal representation.
Meanwhile, the hospital clarified that the doctor was not directly employed by them and has not practiced there since August 2024.
The death of William Bryan has incited outrage among healthcare professionals and the public. Beyond the criminal case, it raises questions about medical oversight, surgical supervision, and patient safety.
For the family, the loss is irreplaceable: a surgery that could have been avoided has become a tragedy now seeking justice in the courts.
Understanding Medical Malpractice in Florida
What charges does Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky face?
Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky is charged with second-degree involuntary manslaughter following a surgical error where he removed the wrong organ, leading to the patient's death.
What happened during the surgery that led to the patient's death?
The surgeon intended to perform a splenectomy but mistakenly removed the liver, causing catastrophic blood loss and resulting in the patient's death.
Has Dr. Shaknovsky faced similar accusations before?
Yes, there have been previous allegations of malpractice against Dr. Shaknovsky, including incidents in Alabama where he allegedly performed incorrect surgeries that led to severe consequences for patients.
What are the potential legal consequences for Dr. Shaknovsky?
If found guilty, Dr. Shaknovsky could face a prison sentence of up to 15 years for the charges of second-degree involuntary manslaughter.