Florida surgeon ‘devastated’ over death of patient after removing liver instead of spleen

In a shocking case that has sent ripples through the medical community, Florida surgeon Thomas Shaknovsky faces criminal charges, including manslaughter, following the death of a patient during what appears to be a catastrophic surgical error. The 44-year-old surgeon allegedly removed 70-year-old William Bryan's liver instead of his spleen, a mistake that led directly to Bryan's death on the operating table.

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I’m forever traumatized by it and hurt by it.

Shaknovsky, in a recent deposition, expressed deep remorse and trauma over the incident, calling it an "incredibly unfortunate event that I regret deeply." He described himself as "forever traumatized" and "mentally compromised" at the time, attributing the error to "difficult circumstances" in the operating room. The deposition offers a harrowing account of the moments after the mistaken organ removal, when Bryan began bleeding profusely and his heart stopped. Shaknovsky recounted the desperate, 20-minute struggle to save the patient's life, comparing the chaotic search for the source of bleeding to "an overflown sink that’s clogged up."

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wrong-site surgeries can happen “during difficult circumstances”.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, a lawsuit filed by Bryan's widow, Beverly Bryan, accuses Shaknovsky of medical malpractice. The suit alleges that the surgeon deliberately omitted any mention of the liver removal in post-operative notes to conceal his "gross negligence/recklessness" and avoid embarrassment. This alleged cover-up, if proven, represents a profound breach of trust and ethical conduct.

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I’m forever traumatized by it and hurt by it.

The Guardian's reporting on this case highlights the devastating consequences of surgical errors and the legal and emotional fallout that follows. From a U.S. perspective, such incidents, while rare, underscore the critical importance of patient safety protocols, surgeon accountability, and transparent communication. The legal battles and criminal charges reflect a system that seeks to hold medical professionals responsible for egregious mistakes. The narrative is one of tragedy, professional failure, and the pursuit of justice for the victim and his family, emphasizing the high stakes involved in surgical procedures and the profound impact errors can have on lives.

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I couldn’t tell the difference because I was so upset.