Florida Surgeon Charged After Allegedly Operating on Wrong Organ

Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky faces manslaughter charges following patient's death during botched surgery

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:26am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image showing the internal structure of a human liver, conceptually representing the medical error that led to a patient's death.An X-ray image reveals the tragic consequences of a surgeon's alleged mistake, exposing the fragility of the human body and the need for greater accountability in healthcare.Miramar Beach Today

A former Florida surgeon has been indicted by a grand jury and charged with second-degree manslaughter after he allegedly removed a patient's liver instead of the intended spleen during a 2024 surgery, leading to the patient's death on the operating table.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about medical errors and the need for greater accountability and oversight in the healthcare system, especially for surgeons with a history of mistakes. It also raises questions about patient safety protocols and the disciplinary actions taken against doctors who make life-threatening errors.

The details

According to prosecutors, the surgery was intended to be a laparoscopic splenectomy to remove the spleen, but Dr. Shaknovsky instead removed the patient's liver, leading to 'catastrophic blood loss' and the patient's death. A grand jury determined Shaknovsky's actions represented 'criminal conduct under Florida law'.

  • The incident occurred during a surgery in 2024 at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Miramar Beach, Florida.
  • Shaknovsky's medical licenses in Florida, New York, and Alabama were suspended in 2024 and 2025 following the incident and previous mistakes.
  • Shaknovsky was indicted by a grand jury and charged with second-degree manslaughter on April 15, 2026.

The players

Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky

A former surgeon who has been indicted and charged with second-degree manslaughter following an incident where he allegedly removed a patient's liver instead of the intended spleen, leading to the patient's death.

Bill Bryan

A 70-year-old patient from Muscle Shoals, Alabama who died on the operating table after Shaknovsky allegedly removed his liver instead of his spleen during a 2024 surgery.

Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson

The sheriff who stated that the grand jury's decision to indict Shaknovsky represents the responsibility to 'ensure the charges are carried out through the proper legal process'.

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital

The Florida hospital where the botched surgery took place in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“Our duty is to follow the facts wherever they lead, without fear or favor. The Grand Jury has spoken, and our responsibility is to ensure the charges are carried out through the proper legal process. Our thoughts remain with the victim's family and their unspeakable loss.”

— Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson

What’s next

Shaknovsky is being held at the Walton County Jail and is awaiting his first court appearance. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for greater accountability and oversight in the medical profession, especially for surgeons with a history of mistakes. It raises serious questions about patient safety protocols and the disciplinary actions taken against doctors who make life-threatening errors.