Shocking Surgical Error Leads to Tragic Loss

A tragic surgical error in a Florida hospital led to the death of an Alabama man, raising serious concerns about patient safety and medical protocols.

At a Glance

William “Bill” Bryan, 70, died after a surgeon mistakenly removed his liver instead of his spleen.
The incident occurred at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Miramar Beach, Florida.
The surgeon, Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, has a history of wrong-site surgery.
Civil and potential criminal charges are being considered.

Fatal Surgical Error Shocks Florida Hospital

In a shocking case of medical malpractice, an Alabama man lost his life due to a catastrophic surgical error at a Florida hospital. William “Bill” Bryan, 70, died when surgeon Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky mistakenly removed his liver instead of his spleen during what was supposed to be a routine procedure. The incident, which occurred at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Miramar Beach, has sparked outrage and calls for justice from the victim’s family.

Bryan and his wife Beverly were visiting their condo in Destin when Bill experienced pain in his left side and was admitted to the hospital. Despite Beverly’s initial desire to return home for the surgery, the couple was persuaded by Dr. Shaknovsky and the hospital’s chief medical officer, Dr. Christopher Bacani, to proceed with the operation in Florida due to the risk of spleen rupture.

Tragic Consequences of Surgical Mistake

During the surgery on August 21, 2024, Dr. Shaknovsky made a critical error by removing Bryan’s liver instead of his spleen. This mistake led to immediate and catastrophic blood loss, resulting in Bryan’s death. Shockingly, the surgeon did not realize his error during the procedure and even labeled the removed liver as a “spleen.” It wasn’t until later, when a pathologist identified the organ as the liver, that the terrible mistake came to light.

“It’s one of the most egregious cases of medical malpractice that I’ve ever been involved with,” said Joe Zarzaur during an online press conference. “The doctors kept suggesting that it was too dangerous to move him, that his spleen could rupture, and they needed to go forward with the procedure.”

The incident has raised serious questions about the hospital’s surgical procedures and protocols, especially considering Dr. Shaknovsky’s history of wrong-site surgery. In 2023, he reportedly removed a portion of a patient’s pancreas instead of performing an adrenal gland resection.

Hospital’s Response and Ongoing Investigation

Ascension Sacred Heart has released a statement saying they are investigating the event and emphasizing their commitment to patient safety. However, this response has done little to assuage the concerns of the Bryan family and the wider community.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a criminal investigation into Bill Bryan’s death, and Dr. Shaknovsky could potentially face culpable negligence charges. Beverly Bryan is seeking both criminal and civil cases against Dr. Shaknovsky to prevent him from treating more patients.

A Family’s Quest for Justice

Beverly Bryan, herself a nurse, is left grappling with the devastating loss of her husband and seeking answers to how such a grave mistake could occur. The family has hired attorney Joe Zarzaur to pursue justice and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

“I know I’m not the only wife that has lost her husband suddenly, but the loss of my Bill was exceptionally unnecessary and brutal,” Beverly Bryan said during the press conference. “Our family and community is devastated by what’s happened and we feel that it is our duty to spread awareness and warn others.”

As the investigation continues, this tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of proper medical procedures, thorough checks, and accountability in healthcare settings. It also highlights the need for patients and their families to be vigilant and informed about their medical care, even in routine procedures.