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Indictment and Arrest
Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky was indicted on second-degree manslaughter charges after allegedly removing a patient's liver instead of his spleen.
“Shaknovsky was performing a scheduled laparoscopic splenectomy and allegedly removed his liver instead of his spleen, resulting in catastrophic blood loss and the patient’s death on the operating table”
The patient was 70-year-old William Bryan of Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
Shaknovsky was arrested and taken into custody in Miramar Beach, Florida.
The grand jury found probable cause that Shaknovsky's actions constituted criminal conduct under Florida law.
The indictment follows an extensive investigation conducted by the Walton County Sheriff's Office and the Office of the State Attorney First Judicial Circuit.
Botched Surgery Details
The surgery was scheduled after Bryan was admitted with abdominal pain and imaging that revealed a suspected enlarged spleen.
Bryan initially refused surgery but was pressured to consent over two days.
Shaknovsky removed the liver instead of the spleen, leading to catastrophic blood loss.
Operating room staff knew splenectomies were complicated and not regularly performed at the hospital.
An autopsy found no evidence of a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm.
Bryan's spleen was untouched while his liver was missing.
Prior Malpractice and License Suspensions
Shaknovsky had a history of surgical errors dating back to 2023.
“In that case, the board accused Shaknovsky of removing part of a patient's pancreas during a routine surgery in May 2023”
He removed part of a patient's pancreas instead of the adrenal gland in May 2023.
He was accused of causing a gastrointestinal perforation in July 2023 that led to death.
He settled a malpractice claim for $400,000 related to the May 2023 incident.
Florida's Surgeon General issued a 21-page emergency order suspending his license after Bryan's death.
His Alabama and New York licenses were also suspended.
Civil Lawsuit and Public Reaction
Bryan's widow filed a civil lawsuit accusing Shaknovsky of medical negligence.
The hospital said Shaknovsky was never an employee and had not practiced there since August 2024.
The case has drawn widespread attention.
Shaknovsky faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.