Seema Khaneja MDUpdated on: October 7, 2024 7:56 am GMT
Introduction
Imagine being in a hospital, placed in the hands of professionals who are committed to your health and wellbeing. You trust them with your life, believing that they’re armed with the skill and knowledge to care for you. But what if a simple yet catastrophic mistake occurs that leads to tragedy? Unfortunately, this is not just a figment of imagination for many families. It’s the harsh reality faced by the loved ones of William “Bill” Bryan, a 70-year-old man who lost his life due to a surgeon’s grave error in a Florida hospital.
As shocking as it may sound, the removal of the wrong organ during surgery is not an isolated incident. A study from Johns Hopkins has highlighted that such “never events” happen far more frequently than many realize. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this harrowing case, the alarming statistics behind surgical errors, and what such incidents could mean for patient safety in healthcare.
A Nightmarish Experience in the OR
In August 2024, Bill Bryan and his wife Beverly were enjoying a vacation at their condo in Destin, Florida, when Bill began experiencing pain in his left side. Initially, the couple thought it might be a minor issue, but upon seeking medical attention, they were warned of potential complications involving his spleen. Admitted to Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital, they were persuaded by the attending doctors that it would be too risky for Bill to return to Alabama for surgery.
The Surgical Procedure Gone Wrong
On August 21, 2024, Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, a general surgeon at the hospital, began what was supposed to be a *hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy*—the removal of the spleen. Tragically, during the operation, Dr. Shaknovsky mistakenly removed Bryan’s liver instead. The consequences were devastating: the surgical team faced immediate and catastrophic blood loss leading to Bill’s death on the operating table.
Details of the Malpractice Case
Once the procedure concluded and the surgical team reviewed their work, Dr. Shaknovsky allegedly misidentified the organ that had been removed, labeling it as a “spleen.” In a subsequent conversation with Beverly, he claimed that the “spleen” was severely enlarged and had shifted position. However, it was only after the operation that medical examiners confirmed it was Bill’s liver that was removed, while his actual spleen remained intact and showed signs of a cyst.
This was not just a horrific mistake; it was the culmination of negligence that raised serious questions about Dr. Shaknovsky’s capabilities as a surgeon. According to the legal representation for the Bryan family, this wasn’t even an isolated incident—Dr. Shaknovsky had previously misoperated on a patient in 2023, removing a portion of a patient’s pancreas instead of the intended adrenal gland.
The Bigger Picture: Surgical Errors in America
It’s worth considering how common such surgical errors are in the United States. According to research conducted by Johns Hopkins, “never events” occur approximately 4,044 times annually. This alarming statistic breaks down into various categories:
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Surgeons leaving foreign objects in patients’ bodies occurs around 39 times each week.
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Performing the wrong procedure happens 20 times weekly.
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Operating on the wrong body site also occurs an estimated 20 times a week.
Dr. Marty Makary, a prominent figure in the study, commented that the events are “totally preventable” and emphasized the need for more stringent safety protocols in hospitals across the country.
Preventive Measures and Protocols
To counteract the alarming rate of surgical errors, many hospitals have instituted safety measures designed to minimize the risk. Some best practices include:
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**Mandatory Timeouts:** Surgical teams take a moment before the procedure to confirm patient identity and surgical plans.
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**Site Marking:** A surgeon uses indelible ink to mark the surgery site, ensuring that everyone is on the same page about where to operate.
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**Sponge and Tool Counting:** Hospitals implement rigorous checks to ensure that no instruments or sponges are left inside a patient post-surgery.
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**Use of Barcodes:** Some hospitals have begun using electronic barcodes on surgical instruments for precise counts to prevent human errors.
Despite these measures, many experts agree that errors, like the one experienced by Bill Bryan, suggest that the healthcare system still has significant work to do to enhance patient safety.
The Aftermath: Legal and Medical Consequences
Following the tragic loss of Bill Bryan, his family has sought justice by hiring an attorney. Joe Zarzaur, their lawyer, has stated that both civil and possible criminal charges are being contemplated against Dr. Shaknovsky.
Under Florida law, the process for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can be lengthy, often requiring a six- to nine-month pre-suit process before any formal filings. The family remains adamant about holding Dr. Shaknovsky accountable for his actions. Making matters worse, he continues to practice at the hospital, raising serious concerns about ongoing patient safety.
Investigative Measures Underway
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office has also opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Bill Bryan’s death, evaluating whether any criminal wrongdoing was present in the surgical decision-making and execution. The legal scrutiny further emphasizes the gravity of medical malpractice in today’s healthcare system.
Ascension Sacred Heart has stated that they are conducting a thorough investigation into the issue, claiming that patient safety remains their highest priority. However, this assurance rings hollow for the Bryan family, who are faced with the grief of losing a loved one due to an inexplicable error.
Conclusion
The tragic case of Bill Bryan highlights a systemic issue in the healthcare industry—errors during surgical procedures that can lead to tragic outcomes. The statistics surrounding surgical mistakes are startling, painting a picture of a system that is not as infallible as one would hope. While measures exist to prevent these “never events,” the story of Bill and many others emphasizes that more must be done to protect patients.
As families place their trust in healthcare professionals, it is crucial for medical institutions to continue evolving, creating a culture of safety that favors patient well-being above all. For the Bryan family and countless others, advocacy for change in surgical protocols is not just a matter of law—it is a heartfelt quest for justice against the backdrop of a painful reality.
It reminds us that we should never take our health for granted. It’s important to speak up for ourselves and our loved ones when we are in medical situations. Remember, when you’re in a hospital, your health is in someone else’s care, so make sure you trust the people who are looking after you.
