An Alabama man tragically lost his life at a Destin hospital due to a catastrophic surgical error where the wrong organ was removed.
At a Glance
- Civil and possible criminal charges are being considered after William “Bill” Bryan’s death from the wrong organ removal.
- The incident took place at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital.
- The surgeon, Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, has a history of surgical errors.
- Beverly Bryan, Bill’s wife, is seeking justice and accountability.
The Fatal Error
William “Bill” Bryan died on August 21, 2024, after Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky mistakenly removed his liver instead of his spleen at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Destin, Florida. The wrong-site surgery caused fatal internal bleeding, leading to catastrophic blood loss and Bryan’s subsequent death.
The surgeon, Dr. Shaknovsky, unbelievably labeled the excised liver as a spleen, unaware of his grave mistake during the procedure. The error only came to light when a pathologist examined the removed organ and identified it as the liver. Meanwhile, Bryan’s spleen remained intact within his body.
Medical Background and Decision
Bill Bryan, 70, was vacationing in Destin with his wife, Beverly, when he experienced severe pain in his left side due to hemoperitoneum and splenic injury. Advised not to travel due to the risk of spleen rupture, Beverly was persuaded by Dr. Shaknovsky and Dr. Christopher Bacani to undertake the surgery in Florida.
“The doctors kept suggesting that it was too dangerous to move him, that his spleen could rupture, and they needed to go forward with the procedure,” said Joe Zarzaur, the Bryans’ attorney.
History of Errors and Legal Ramifications
Shockingly, Dr. Shaknovsky has a history of similar surgical blunders. In 2023, he erroneously removed a part of a patient’s pancreas instead of performing an adrenal gland resection. Given this alarming pattern, Beverly Bryan is not only seeking civil action but also criminal charges to hold Dr. Shaknovsky accountable and prevent future malpractice.
“It’s one of the most egregious cases of medical malpractice that I’ve ever been involved with,” said Joe Zarzaur, emphasizing the critical need for justice in this case.
Hospital’s Response and Investigation
The hospital released a statement affirming their commitment to patient safety and expressing condolences to the Bryan family. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office, alongside the District 1 Medical Examiner’s Office and the Office of the State Attorney, is conducting a thorough investigation into Bryan’s death to determine if criminal negligence took place. The community awaits the outcome, demanding transparency and accountability.
Beverly Bryan remains determined to achieve justice for her husband and prevent such a tragedy from happening to anyone else. “I know I’m not the only wife that has lost her husband suddenly, but the loss of my Bill was exceptionally unnecessary and brutal,” she stated during a press conference.
Zarzaur Law, P.A., priding itself on advocating for victims of medical malpractice and wrongful death, stands beside Beverly Bryan in her crusade for justice. Mr. Zarzaur has vowed to make the community safer by exposing those who should not hold medical licenses.
In summary, this alarming case highlights the dire need for reform in medical procedures and verification systems. It is a tragic example of the real dangers posed by negligent medical practices and the devastating impact on families.
