Florida Surgeon Charged in Patient's Death After Removing Wrong Organ

Authorities say doctor removed liver instead of spleen, leading to fatal complications

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a surgical scalpel against a pitch-black background, the sharp, metallic edges of the blade the focal point, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A surgical error with fatal consequences exposes the need for greater accountability and patient safety protocols in healthcare.Miramar Today

A Florida surgeon has been charged with second-degree manslaughter after prosecutors say he removed a patient's liver instead of his spleen during an operation, leading to the patient's death. Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky is accused of performing the botched procedure on 70-year-old William Bryan, an Alabama navy veteran, in August 2024 at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast hospital in Miramar Beach, Florida.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences that can result from medical errors, especially in complex surgical procedures. It raises questions about oversight, accountability, and patient safety protocols in the healthcare industry.

The details

According to authorities, Shaknovsky went ahead with what was intended to be a laparoscopic splenectomy, even after it became clear a serious error had occurred. This led to an aneurysm, massive blood loss, and Bryan's death on the operating table. Prosecutors allege Shaknovsky later told Bryan's wife that the "spleen" was four times its normal size and had moved to the opposite side of Bryan's body - where the liver is located.

  • The incident occurred in August 2024 during an operation at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast hospital in Miramar Beach, Florida.
  • Shaknovsky's medical licenses were suspended in Florida, Alabama, and New York in the weeks following the operation.
  • On April 15, 2026, a grand jury in Tallahassee indicted Shaknovsky on a charge of second-degree manslaughter.

The players

Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky

A 44-year-old Florida surgeon who has been charged with second-degree manslaughter in the death of a patient during a botched surgery.

William Bryan

A 70-year-old Alabama navy veteran who died during the operation performed by Dr. Shaknovsky.

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast

The hospital in Miramar Beach, Florida where the fatal surgery took place.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Shaknovsky is being held in county jail and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of second-degree manslaughter.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical importance of rigorous medical protocols, oversight, and accountability to ensure patient safety, especially during high-risk surgical procedures. It raises broader questions about how to prevent such devastating errors from occurring in the future.