A Florida grand jury indicted surgeon Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, 44, on a second-degree manslaughter charge following the August 2024 death of patient William Bryan. Bryan, visiting Florida from Alabama, died after the surgeon removed his liver instead of the intended spleen during a procedure at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital.

Documents reveal Dr. Shaknovsky allegedly pressured the patient into the operation, which was not routinely performed there, and later claimed the removed liver was the spleen, shocking operating room staff. This incident follows a 2023 malpractice settlement where Dr. Shaknovsky paid $400,000 after erroneously removing part of another patient's pancreas.

The hospital confirmed Dr. Shaknovsky was never an employee and ceased practicing at their facilities after the fatality. The state attorney’s office indicated the doctor faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the felony charge. Authorities cited staff concerns over his skill level leading up to the catastrophic error.

Bryan’s wife expressed profound grief, stating her husband would want his death to prevent future harm by this physician. The case raises immediate questions regarding credentialing oversight for independent practitioners working within hospital systems, particularly for non-routine procedures like spleen removal.