Florida Doctor Charged With Manslaughter for Removing Wrong Organ During Surgery

A Florida doctor is accused of removing the wrong organ during surgery, a mistake that led to a patient's death. This is the first time he has faced criminal charges for alleged malpractice.
By Newsroom | Health, Crime |

Criminal Conduct Alleged in Operating Room Death

Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, a Florida physician, has been indicted by a Walton County grand jury and faces a charge of second-degree manslaughter. Prosecutors allege that during a scheduled laparoscopic splenectomy, Shaknovsky removed the patient's liver instead of the intended spleen. This action, according to court records, resulted in "catastrophic blood loss" and the patient's death on the operating table. A grand jury found probable cause that the surgeon's actions in the operating room constituted criminal conduct under Florida law.

The patient, identified as Bill Bryan, 70, was admitted to Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast with abdominal pain, and imaging indicated a suspected enlarged spleen and blood in the peritoneum. Shaknovsky reportedly recommended surgery after Bryan had complained of pain. Reports indicate that even as the patient went into cardiac arrest during the procedure, Shaknovsky allegedly continued the operation, later stating the cause of death was a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm, while an autopsy revealed his spleen was intact but his liver was gone.

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Professional Repercussions and Other Allegations

Shaknovsky's medical license has been suspended in Florida. He also voluntarily surrendered his license in Alabama after regulators moved to revoke it, and his license in New York was suspended.

Florida doctor indicted, accused of removing patient's wrong organ - 1

Beyond the fatal incident, court filings also accuse Shaknovsky of two other instances of alleged malpractice, one of which is also linked to the death of another patient.

Shaknovsky was taken into custody on Monday morning in Miramar Beach, Florida, and is being held at the Walton County Jail. He is awaiting his first court appearance. At the time of the reports, available court records did not list an attorney for Shaknovsky.

Background

The incident occurred on August [Year redacted in reports, but implied to be 2024 by Article 10's reference to "in 2024"], when Bryan, an Alabama resident, and his wife were visiting a condo in Destin, Florida. Bryan began experiencing pain on his left side, prompting his hospital admission. His wife, Beverly Bryan, is a registered nurse.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky charged with manslaughter in Florida?
Prosecutors allege that during a surgery to remove a patient's spleen, Dr. Shaknovsky mistakenly removed the patient's liver, causing fatal blood loss.
Q: What happened to the patient in the surgery?
The 70-year-old patient, Bill Bryan, died on the operating table due to catastrophic blood loss after the alleged removal of the wrong organ.
Q: What are the consequences for Dr. Shaknovsky's medical license?
Dr. Shaknovsky's medical license has been suspended in Florida, and he voluntarily surrendered his license in Alabama. His New York license was also suspended.
Q: Are there other accusations against Dr. Shaknovsky?
Yes, court filings also accuse Dr. Shaknovsky of two other instances of alleged malpractice, one of which is also linked to another patient's death.
Q: Where and when did this incident happen?
The incident occurred recently at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast in Florida. Dr. Shaknovsky was arrested on Monday morning in Miramar Beach, Florida.