Florida Surgeon Liver Spleen Incident: The family of William Bryan, a 70-year-old man from Alabama, is grappling with unimaginable grief following a catastrophic medical error that allegedly led to his death at a Florida hospital. The incident, which occurred during a scheduled splenectomy at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital, has raised serious concerns about surgical practices and patient safety, as the family claims that instead of his spleen, Bryan’s liver was mistakenly removed.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Bryan was vacationing with his wife, Beverly, when he experienced severe abdominal pain, prompting them to seek immediate medical attention. Upon his admission on August 18, he was diagnosed with hemoperitoneum and a splenic injury. The surgeon, Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, advised urgent surgical intervention to prevent life-threatening complications, warning that Bryan could bleed to death if transported back to Alabama.
On August 21, Bryan underwent the procedure; however, in a tragic twist of fate, the organ removed was not the intended spleen, but liver tissue. This was later confirmed by a surgical pathology report that stated Bryan’s liver had been taken out, leading to massive blood loss during surgery.
Conflicting Reports and Legal Ramifications
Attorney Joe Zarzour, representing Bryan’s widow, has labeled this incident as one of the most egregious cases of medical malpractice he has encountered in his career. He highlighted the discrepancies between what was communicated to the family and the actual surgical outcome, raising alarms about the competence of the medical staff involved.
A spokesperson for Ascension Sacred Heart has stated that they are treating the allegations seriously and are conducting a thorough investigation. They have extended condolences to the family while emphasizing their commitment to patient safety and privacy.
Following the surgery, Beverly Bryan was informed that her husband’s spleen had been successfully removed, albeit one that was described as “large” and severely damaged. However, the subsequent discovery of the actual organ removed—a piece of liver—has left the family devastated and searching for answers.
The Medical Examination and Evidence of Negligence
An autopsy conducted by the medical examiner confirmed that Bryan’s liver was absent, while his spleen remained intact, discovered with a small cyst that was not life-threatening. Zarzour noted that this cyst could have been managed effectively, making the error all the more heartbreaking for the family.
At a recent news conference, Beverly Bryan spoke candidly about her husband, describing him as a “good man” who cherished his family. She expressed her heartache and anger over the circumstances of his death, attributing it to the negligence of hospital staff. Her emotional testimony highlighted the profound impact of this loss on their three children and eight grandchildren, who are also mourning.
Beverly characterized the surgical error as “unnecessary and brutal,” declaring that her husband’s passing left their family and community in devastation. She emphasized the vulnerability of her husband on the operating table and the need for accountability from those responsible.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigations
As the family considers legal options, they are increasingly concerned about Dr. Shaknovsky’s ability to continue practicing medicine. Although a formal malpractice lawsuit has not yet been filed—due to a mandated six to nine-month pre-suit period in Florida—Zarzour has underscored the urgency of the situation. He has communicated with sources who claim to have seen Shaknovsky performing surgeries recently, raising alarms about patient safety.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a criminal investigation into Bryan’s death, working alongside the medical examiner’s office and the state attorney’s office. They have reiterated the complexity of such cases and have requested public patience as they navigate the investigation process.
A Troubling Pattern of Errors
This incident is not the first concerning Dr. Shaknovsky; earlier in 2023, he reportedly misidentified tissues during a surgical procedure intended to remove an adrenal gland, but instead removed part of a patient’s pancreas. That case was settled confidentially, suggesting a troubling pattern of medical errors that raises serious questions about the surgeon’s qualifications and oversight within the medical establishment.
Conclusion
The tragic story of William Bryan serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of patient safety and the dire consequences of medical negligence. As his family seeks justice and accountability for this devastating error, the medical community must take heed of this incident to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The ongoing investigations and potential legal actions may not only bring closure to Bryan’s family but could also prompt much-needed reforms in surgical practices to ensure that patient safety remains the foremost priority in healthcare.
