Seema Khaneja MD
Updated on: October 7, 2024 1:43 pm GMT
In a profoundly tragic case of medical malpractice, a 70-year-old man from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, William “Bill” Bryan, lost his life after a surgeon at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital mistakenly removed his liver instead of the intended spleen. The incident has raised serious concerns about surgical protocols and patient safety in Florida, prompting discussions about potential civil and criminal charges.
Overview of the Incident
While vacationing in Destin, Florida, Bill Bryan began to experience severe left-side abdominal pain. Admitted to the hospital on August 18, 2024, he was evaluated by Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, who recommended an urgent laparoscopic splenectomy. Despite the family’s hesitations about performing the surgery away from home, Dr. Shaknovsky and the hospital’s chief medical officer reassured them that immediate surgery was necessary to prevent serious complications, including potential rupture of the spleen.
Surgical Procedure and Error
On August 21, 2024, during the surgery, Dr. Shaknovsky mistakenly removed Bryan’s liver instead of the spleen. The mistake was attributed to a lack of awareness regarding human anatomy, as he later labeled the excised liver as the “spleen.” This catastrophic error led to significant blood loss, resulting in Bill Bryan’s death shortly after the operation.
* Key Dates:
– August 18, 2024: Bryan admitted to Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital.
– August 21, 2024: Surgery performed, leading to Bryan’s death.
Aftermath and Investigation
Following the surgery, an autopsy confirmed that Bryan’s spleen had remained intact, and the removed organ was indeed his liver. Attorney Joe Zarzaur, representing the Bryan family, reported that this error was not the first for Dr. Shaknovsky; a previous case where he mistakenly removed part of a patient’s pancreas instead of the adrenal gland had also been settled confidentially.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Bryan’s death to determine potential culpable negligence charges against Dr. Shaknovsky. The family is advocating for both civil and criminal accountability to ensure no other families suffer from similar medical mistakes.
Patient Safety Concerns
Dr. Shaknovsky’s continued practice raises significant alarm for patient safety. Legal representatives have voiced concerns about his privileges at the hospital following previous incidents of wrong-site surgeries. Ascension Sacred Heart’s leadership has stated that they are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, emphasizing their commitment to patient safety.
Conclusion
The death of William Bryan has served as a somber reminder of the critical importance of surgical accuracy and safe medical practices. It highlights the need for stringent protocols to prevent such egregious errors in healthcare. As the legal proceedings unfold, the Bryan family seeks justice not only for their loss but aims to raise awareness to protect other patients from potential harm.
FAQs
Q: What happened to William Bryan during the surgery?
A: William Bryan underwent surgery to remove his spleen, but the surgeon mistakenly removed his liver, leading to severe blood loss and his subsequent death.
Q: What actions are being taken in response to this case?
A: The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident for potential criminal negligence, and the Bryan family intends to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the surgeon and the hospital.
Q: Has this surgeon had prior complaints against him?
A: Yes, Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky was reportedly involved in a previous wrong-site surgery case, where he removed a part of a patient’s pancreas instead of the adrenal gland.
Q: What is the family seeking through legal action?
A: The family seeks accountability for what they believe to be a preventable medical tragedy, aiming to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
The Bryan family is working hard to make surgery safer for everyone. By spreading the word and asking for important changes in how surgeries are done, they hope to help all patients get better care.
