The family of Alabama resident William Bryan, who was 70 years old, claims he died because surgeons accidentally took out his liver during a procedure intended to remove his spleen at a Florida hospital.

Bryan was admitted to Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Walton County, Florida, on August 18 for a splenectomy, as detailed in an operative report obtained by YSL News through his attorney, Joe Zarzaur.

Surgeon Thomas Shaknovsky conducted the operation after explaining the “risks, benefits, and alternatives” to Bryan and his wife, Beverly. However, once the surgery was done, the report indicates that instead of the spleen, Bryan’s liver was removed, according to a surgical pathology report provided by Zarzaur.

“It is my honor to represent Mrs. Bryan and her family in what I believe is one of the most severe cases of medical malpractice I’ve encountered,” Zarzaur stated at a news conference on Tuesday.

A spokesperson from Ascension issued a statement acknowledging the seriousness of these allegations, stating that the management team is thoroughly investigating the matter.

“Since opening in 2001, Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has a track record of providing safe and quality care,” the statement added. “Patient safety remains our top priority. Our hearts go out to the family. We respect the privacy of our patients and do not discuss specific cases or ongoing legal matters.”

Medical examiner found spleen intact during autopsy

Prior to the surgery, Bryan experienced “extreme abdominal pain” while vacationing with his wife in Destin, Florida. Shaknovsky diagnosed him with hemoperitoneum and a splenic injury, indicating bleeding from the spleen, as stated in the operative report.

Beverly initially considered postponing the surgery until they returned to Alabama, but Shaknovsky warned her that Bryan could bleed to death if he was moved in his current state, according to Zarzaur.

During the operation on August 21, Bryan died due to significant blood loss after the removal of what was described as a “large” spleen.

The operative report noted, “The case was thoroughly discussed with the patient’s wife and family, and they were updated on unfortunate developments. All aspects of the surgery were communicated to the family, and all queries were addressed.”

After the operation, a pathologist discovered that the organ labeled as the “spleen” was actually liver tissue. An autopsy later confirmed that Bryan’s liver was gone and his spleen remained intact, with a non-fatal cyst attached, Zarzaur explained.

“The spleen had a small cyst and some surrounding hemorrhage, but it was not life-threatening,” Zarzaur pointed out. “It was a routine-looking cyst that likely could have been treated easily.”

‘They took him from us’

Beverly Bryan expressed her grief during the news conference, describing her husband of 33 years as “such a good man.”

“I was fortunate to be married to William Bryan, known to many as Bill, and I will always treasure the moments we shared,” she said. “We have three children and eight grandchildren who also cherish their time with him.”

Beverly expressed that her family feels “heartbroken and furious” over the circumstances of Bill’s passing, attributing it to the negligence of the hospital staff at Ascension.

“They took him from us while he lay defenseless on the operating table,” she stated. “They removed his liver instead of his spleen, leading to his death from blood loss during surgery.”

Describing her husband’s death as “unnecessary and cruel,” she added that her family and community in Alabama are “devastated.”

“He brought happiness to everyone he encountered,” Beverly said of her husband. “He was the ideal spouse and father I could ever wish for. I will get through this and be strong for him because he deserves justice.”

Will Thomas Shaknovsky face legal consequences?

As of Tuesday, no formal complaint has been filed because Florida law requires a six to nine-month pre-suit period before making a legal malpractice claim. Bryan’s family and Zarzaur intend to file a lawsuit, but they are particularly concerned that Shaknovsky may still be practicing medicine.

“This doctor is still treating patients and reportedly has access to hospitals and operating rooms, which I disagree with,” Zarzaur declared. “Mrs. Bryan clearly believes he should never practice in a hospital or operating room again.”

According to attorney Zarzaur, the medical board may take several months to revoke Shaknovsky’s medical license. He mentioned that he has been in contact with individuals who reportedly saw the surgeon recently.

There is also an ongoing criminal investigation into the death of Bryan, as per Zarzaur’s statement. He advised directing all inquiries regarding the matter to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, which provided a statement to YSL News on Tuesday.

The statement from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office indicated, “We are working with the District 1 Medical Examiner’s Office and the Office of the State Attorney to review the details surrounding William Bryan’s death to determine if any criminal activity occurred. It is premature to claim that criminal charges have been filed at this stage.”

“We request that the public be patient as these investigations are highly intricate and require time. Any trustworthy information regarding this case can only be obtained from our office. Currently, all records related to this case are not available for public access to avoid disrupting the ongoing investigation.”

Thomas Shaknovsky involved in 2023 surgical incident

Another incident linked to Shaknovsky occurred in 2023 when he attempted to remove an adrenal gland from a patient but mistakenly removed a portion of their pancreas instead, Zarzaur explained.

This case was settled during the pre-litigation phase for an undisclosed amount, meaning no lawsuit was initiated against the surgeon or Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital, according to the attorney.

“This case was overlooked,” he reflected, “and now we’re faced with another issue following that one.”