Surgeon Charged After Wrong Organ Removed in Patient's Death

A Florida grand jury indicted Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky on second-degree manslaughter after officials reported that, during an August 2024 operation, a patient's liver was removed instead of his spleen; he was arrested, released on bond, and is scheduled to be arraigned on May 19.

A grand jury in Walton County, Florida, has indicted Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky on second-degree manslaughter in the death of a 70-year-old patient after surgery in August 2024. State health investigators reported that the surgeon removed the patient's liver when the operation was intended to remove the spleen. The Florida Department of Health suspended Dr. Shaknovsky's medical license after the incident. Key facts: - A Walton County grand jury charged Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky with second-degree manslaughter in the August 2024 death of patient William Bryan, who traveled from Alabama for care. - State investigators reported that the liver was removed when surgeons intended to remove the spleen, and an autopsy found the spleen intact. - Dr. Shaknovsky was arrested, released on bond, and is scheduled to be arraigned in Walton County Circuit Court on May 19. - The Health Department had previously sanctioned Dr. Shaknovsky for a separate surgical error in 2023, and his license was suspended following this case. Summary: The indictment begins a criminal process in a case tied to a 2024 operation where officials say the wrong organ was removed; if convicted, Dr. Shaknovsky faces statutory penalties that include up to 15 years in prison. His arraignment is scheduled for May 19, and the state health agency has taken regulatory action by suspending his license.