Man, 70, dies after Florida surgeon removed liver instead of spleen: lawyer

A 70-year-old Alabama man died during surgery after a doctor mistakenly removed his liver instead of his spleen, according to the family’s lawyer, who claims this is not the first time the surgeon has removed the wrong organ.

“Occasionally, we encounter a case so shocking and dangerous to the public that we feel compelled to issue a public service announcement,” said lawyer Joe Zarzaur. “This is one of those cases.”

Zarzaur represents the family of William Bryan, a Muscle Shoals, Alabama resident, who passed away in a Florida hospital after allegedly being convinced by Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky to undergo spleen removal surgery. Instead, Shaknovsky removed the wrong organ.

Bryan and his wife, Beverly, were visiting their rental property on Florida’s northern coast when Bryan experienced severe abdominal pain. He was admitted to Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Miramar Beach, where doctors advised a laparoscopic splenectomy.

Although the family was hesitant to proceed with surgery in Florida, they were ultimately persuaded by Shaknovsky and Dr. Christopher Bacani, the hospital's chief medical officer. The doctors warned that Bryan "could experience serious complications if he left the hospital," according to Zarzaur’s law firm.

During the August 21 operation, Shaknovsky mistakenly removed Bryan’s liver instead of his spleen, as confirmed by a surgical pathology report shared by the family’s lawyer. An autopsy later revealed Bryan's spleen was still intact while his liver had been removed.

The removal of Bryan’s liver resulted in the severing of major blood vessels, causing the 70-year-old to bleed out on the operating table and die.

Following the surgery, Shaknovsky reportedly told Bryan’s widow that her husband's “spleen” was so enlarged that it had "migrated to the other side" of his body. However, the liver is typically much larger than the spleen and is located on the right side, while the spleen is situated on the left.

A hospital pathologist later identified that the organ removed and labeled as “spleen” was actually Bryan’s liver. Dr. Robert Blanchard, who examined the organ, wrote in his report that it was “grossly identifiable” and partially torn.

During Bryan’s autopsy, a small cyst was found on his spleen, which Zarzaur described as “routine” and treatable. “It was not a fatal issue,” he added.

Zarzaur also claims to have uncovered evidence of a prior incident involving Dr. Shaknovsky, in which he allegedly removed part of a patient’s pancreas instead of performing an adrenal gland resection. That case, which occurred in 2023, was reportedly settled confidentially, and Shaknovsky continued to practice at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital.

Bryan’s widow is seeking justice for her husband and aims to warn others about the doctor. “My husband died helpless on the operating table due to Dr. Shaknovsky’s incompetence,” she wrote in a statement. “I don’t want anyone else to suffer because of his mistakes.”

A criminal investigation into Bryan’s death is being led by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, although no charges have been filed so far. “We ask for the public’s patience, as these cases are complex and require time to investigate,” the sheriff’s office stated.

A spokesperson for Ascension hospital said it is taking the allegations against Shaknovsky “very seriously” and is conducting a “thorough investigation.” “Patient safety remains our top priority,” the spokesperson added, offering thoughts and prayers to the family.

While a formal lawsuit has not yet been filed, Zarzaur explained that Florida law requires a six- to nine-month pre-suit process in medical malpractice cases. The family intends to proceed with legal action once allowed. Zarzaur emphasized that he is raising public awareness because Shaknovsky continues to practice.

“The reason I felt a press release was necessary is that this doctor is still treating patients and has access to hospitals and operating rooms,” Zarzaur said. “Mrs. Bryan believes he should never set foot in a hospital or operating room again.”