Florida Surgeon Says He Is “Forever Traumatized” After Removing Wrong Organ, Leading to Patient’s Death

Florida surgeon Thomas Shaknovsky is facing criminal charges and a wrongful death lawsuit after a catastrophic surgical error in August 2024, in which he removed the wrong organ from 70-year-old patient William Bryan. Shaknovsky says he believed he was removing Bryan’s spleen but instead removed his liver, leading to massive bleeding and the patient’s death on the operating table.

In a November deposition, Shaknovsky described the surgery as extremely difficult due to internal bleeding and poor visibility caused by blood and an enlarged colon. He said Bryan began hemorrhaging heavily during the procedure, which led to cardiac arrest and a chaotic resuscitation attempt. During this critical moment, he mistakenly removed the liver instead of the spleen and later labeled the organ incorrectly in medical documentation.

Shaknovsky expressed deep remorse, stating he is “forever traumatized” and emotionally devastated by the outcome. He claimed the error occurred under extreme stress and denied lacking anatomical knowledge, insisting he clearly knows the difference between the two organs.

Bryan died from exsanguination (blood loss), according to the medical examiner. The case has led to a manslaughter indictment, multiple malpractice allegations, and the loss of Shaknovsky’s medical licenses in several states. He has pleaded not guilty. The lawsuit also alleges possible attempts to conceal the error in medical records, which he denies.

Chuck, E., & Lavietes, M. (2026, May 7). Florida surgeon who removed wrong organ says he is ‘forever traumatized’ by patient’s death. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/florida-surgeon-removed-wrong-organ-traumatized-deposition-rcna343833