Doctor indicted after allegedly removing wrong organ during surgery, resulting in patient’s death, authorities say

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/Gray News) – A doctor in Florida was indicted after allegedly removing the wrong organ in surgery that resulted in a man’s death.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office said Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky was indicted in connection with the August 2024 death of 70-year-old William Bryan.

He was arrested Monday morning and charged with second-degree manslaughter.

Attorney Joe Zarzaur said Bryan began feeling pain in his left side while on the way to visit a rental property in Florida with his wife.

Bryan was admitted to Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital over concerns about his spleen and was recommended for surgery by Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, WAFF reported.

Dr. Shaknovsky allegedly removed Bryan’s liver instead of his spleen, causing catastrophic blood loss and the patient’s death on the operating table, the sheriff’s office said.

After undergoing an autopsy, the medical examiner noticed the spleen and its attachments were untouched in their normal position.

Shaknovsky’s license was ordered to be immediately suspended from practice as an osteopathic physician in the order filed on September 24, 2024.

He was released on a $75,000 bond.

Shaknovsky’s next court date is May 19.

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