A Florida grand jury has indicted Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky on second-degree manslaughter charges for allegedly removing a patient's liver instead of his spleen during a scheduled laparoscopic splenectomy in August 2024. The 70-year-old patient, identified as William Bryan of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, died from catastrophic blood loss during the procedure at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Miramar Beach.
Core Facts and Immediate Action
The indictment follows an investigation by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) and the Office of the State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit. Prosecutors allege Shaknovsky removed Bryan’s liver instead of his spleen, leading to fatal complications. The grand jury determined there was probable cause to charge Shaknovsky under Florida law.
Deeper Dive and Context
Background of the Incident
Bryan and his wife were vacationing in Destin, Florida, when he experienced abdominal pain. Imaging revealed a suspected enlarged spleen and blood in the peritoneum, prompting Shaknovsky to recommend surgery. Bryan initially wanted to return home but ultimately agreed to the procedure after two days of persuasion, according to court filings.
Legal and Professional Consequences
Following Bryan’s death, Shaknovsky’s medical licenses in Alabama, Florida, and New York were suspended or revoked. The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners temporarily suspended his license, which was later revoked by the Alabama Medical Licensure Commission. Florida and New York also suspended his licenses in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Official Statements and Reactions
Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson emphasized the importance of following the facts without bias. “Our duty is to follow the facts wherever they lead, without fear or favor,” he stated. The case is ongoing, and Shaknovsky’s legal representation remains unclear.
Medical and Procedural Context
The court order suspending Shaknovsky’s license noted that he continued the operation despite the patient going into cardiac arrest. The filing states that Shaknovsky removed an organ he believed to be the spleen but was unable to properly identify due to shock and chaos in the operating room.
Broader Implications
The case raises questions about surgical protocols, patient consent, and the oversight of medical professionals. It also highlights the legal consequences of medical errors, particularly when they result in fatal outcomes.