Man dies on operating table as doctor removes wrong organ

A 70-year-old man named William Bryan has tragically died after undergoing emergency surgery at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Walton County, Florida. William was visiting one of his rental properties in Florida with his wife, Beverly Bryan, when he suddenly experienced severe pain in his side.

According to Beverly, the issue was traced to his spleen, but during surgery, the surgeon, Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, mistakenly removed William’s liver instead, leading to severe complications.

The law firm Zarzaur Law, which is representing Beverly, stated that William was initially hesitant to undergo the surgery. However, he was persuaded by Dr. Shaknovsky and another doctor to proceed, with warnings of serious complications if he refused. On August 18th, William requested to be discharged so he could see his doctor in Alabama, but he was urged to go ahead with the surgery.

The firm reported that during the procedure, Dr. Shaknovsky mistakenly removed William’s liver and tore the blood vessels connected to it, causing catastrophic blood loss that resulted in his death. An autopsy later revealed that William’s spleen, the organ initially targeted for removal, was never taken out but had only a small cyst.

Beverly has expressed her devastation and intends to file a lawsuit after the pre-litigation process is completed. In a statement, she said, “My husband died while helpless on the operating room table by Dr. Shaknovsky.”