Family seeks justice after doctor removed liver instead of spleen, man dies on the operation table

SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. ( WMBB ) — A tragic surgery last month at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Miramar Beach is under investigation. The family claims a doctor removed the wrong organ leading to a man’s death.

William ‘Bill’ Bryan, 70, and his wife Beverly were visiting their rental property in Destin on Aug. 19 when Bill felt pain on his left side.

“He started having some pain in his left shoulder, his neck and his left side. So we went to Ascension Sacred Heart on the Emerald Coast and he was admitted and became a patient of Dr. Shaknovsky,” Beverly said.

Beverly, a retired nurse, said Doctor Thomas Shaknovsky diagnosed a spleen surgery and urged it to be performed by him.

“We called Bill’s doctor, here at home in Northwest Alabama and he told Bill that he would have surgeons here in North Alabama waiting when we got home. I tried to convince Dr. Shaknovsky to let me take him home, or arrange for him to be transported. But Dr. Shaknovsky said that Bill would bleed to death if he was moved.”

According to the Zarzaur law office, instead of the spleen, Shaknovsky removed Bill’s liver on Aug. 21 and he died on the operating table.

A pathologist told Beverly a bag labeled ‘spleen’ contained Bill’s liver. Beverly said a medical examiner then performed an autopsy and confirmed Bill still had his spleen.

“Everyone knows you can’t live without your liver. It’s about the same thing as if they had pulled out your heart. His heart,” Beverly said. “I know I’m not the only wife who’s lost her husband suddenly, but the loss of my Bill was exceptionally unnecessary and brutal.”

Shaknovsky is said to have 14 years of experience in medicine. Zarzaur claims the Aug. 21 surgery is Shaknovsky’s second wrong-site surgery in two years, with a previous case being settled at the same facility in 2023.

Attorney Joe Zarzaur and Bill’s widow Beverly said they want justice.

“If you’re Dr. Shaknovsky’s patient, I have no qualms in telling you you should ask for a different doctor,” Zarzaur said. “I would go so far as to say just be very careful if you’re even seeing the doctor for something non-surgical. That guy, I would not allow him to do anything with anybody here.”

“We do not want this to happen to anyone else, but for this particular individual especially,” Beverly said. “I didn’t realize it takes so long for a doctor to lose a license. I thought it would be something, you know, as soon as this was known, it would be immediate. That is not the case.”

Since the press release on Aug. 30, the surgeon has been removed from multiple medical office websites including North Walton Doctor’s Hospital, HCA Florida, and Ascension Sacred Heart.

“ Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Sacred heart emerald coast’s leadership is investigating this matter. “

Ascension Sacred Heart

“Walton County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the District 1 Medical Examiner’s Office and Office of the State Attorney is reviewing the facts involving the death of William Bryan to determine if anything criminal took place.

At this time, it would be incorrect to say criminal charges have been filed.

Our agency asks for the public’s patience as these cases are extremely complex and take time to investigate. The only reliable source of information regarding any criminal case will come from our office.”

Walton County Sheriff’s Office

Zarzaur said he is starting the 6-9 month pre-suit process that must be followed before any civil lawsuit can be filed for medical malpractice.

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