Florida doctor charged after allegedly removing wrong organ during surgery

A Florida surgeon was indicted on second-degree manslaughter after prosecutors say he removed a patient's liver instead of the spleen and the patient died; he is in custody and awaiting his first court appearance.

Authorities say a Florida surgeon has been indicted after prosecutors allege he removed a patient's liver instead of the spleen during a 2024 operation, and the patient died during the procedure. A Walton County grand jury returned an indictment charging the doctor with second-degree manslaughter. The defendant is being held at the Walton County Jail and is awaiting his first court appearance. Regulators had previously suspended his medical licenses after earlier reported surgical errors. Key facts: - A Walton County grand jury indicted Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky on second-degree manslaughter in connection with a 2024 surgery in Miramar Beach, Florida. - Prosecutors reported the operation was intended to remove the spleen and say the patient's liver was removed; the patient died during the procedure. - Shaknovsky is in custody at the Walton County Jail and is awaiting his first court appearance. - State medical regulators previously suspended his licenses following earlier reported surgical errors. Summary: The indictment brings criminal charges and moves the matter into the court system. The defendant is being held and awaiting his first court appearance; other regulatory matters remain pending.