Man, 70, dies after Florida surgeon removed liver instead of spleen
A 70-year-old man died in Florida after a surgeon mistakenly removed his liver instead of his spleen. The family is pursuing justice amid ongoing investigations and plans to file a malpractice lawsuit.
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A 70-year-old man from Alabama, William Bryan, died during surgery in Florida after a surgeon mistakenly removed his liver instead of his spleen. The incident occurred on August 21 at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital, where Bryan was admitted for abdominal pain. Despite the family's initial reluctance, they were persuaded by Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky and Dr. Christopher Bacani to proceed with the laparoscopic splenectomy. During the operation, Shaknovsky removed the liver, leading to severe blood loss and Bryan's subsequent death. An autopsy confirmed that his spleen remained intact, and a cyst found on it was not life-threatening. The family's lawyer, Joe Zarzaur, indicated that this was not the first incident involving Shaknovsky, citing a previous case where he removed part of a patient's pancreas instead of the intended adrenal gland. Bryan's widow is seeking justice and raising awareness about the surgeon's alleged incompetence, as a criminal investigation is underway. Ascension hospital stated it is taking the allegations seriously and is conducting a thorough investigation. The family plans to file a medical malpractice lawsuit after completing the required pre-suit process in Florida.
- A 70-year-old man died after a surgeon removed the wrong organ during surgery.
- The surgeon involved has a history of similar surgical errors.
- An autopsy revealed the spleen was intact and a cyst found was not fatal.
- The family is pursuing justice and raising awareness about the surgeon's practices.
- A criminal investigation is ongoing, and the hospital is conducting its own inquiry.
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