A man from Alabama has died in Florida after undergoing a surgery in which doctors mistakenly removed his liver instead of his spleen. William Bryan, aged 70, had traveled with his wife to Walton County, located in the northwest of Florida, when he began to experience severe abdominal pain.
He sought medical attention at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast hospital, where doctors recommended a surgery to remove his spleen. Despite his initial reservations about having the surgery at this hospital, Bryan ultimately agreed to the procedure but died during the operation.
The surgery, conducted on August 31 by surgeon Thomas Shaknovsky, was supposed to be a laparoscopic splenectomy. However, instead of the spleen, the doctor removed the liver and also severed an artery supplying it, leading to massive blood loss and the patient's immediate death.
According to the family's attorneys, the mistake was not reported right away, and the surgeon even documented the removal of the liver as if it were the spleen. Shaknovsky explained to Bryan's wife that the spleen was so enlarged that it was "four times" its usual size. However, the pathologist who examined the organ later confirmed that it was a visibly identifiable and partially torn liver.
The incident has gone viral in recent hours, with many healthcare professionals astonished by such a significant medical error. The medical report—cited by the American press—reveals that Bryan had expressed his reluctance to undergo the surgery and had requested to be discharged so he could return to Alabama and consult his primary care physician.
Nevertheless, according to the widow's attorneys, both Shaknovsky and another doctor persuaded him to proceed with the surgery due to potential complications with his spleen. It was later discovered that the spleen only had a small cyst and did not require surgical intervention.
The hospital, part of a nonprofit Catholic health system with 140 hospital centers across the United States, has announced that it is investigating the incident.
FAQs About Medical Negligence in Florida Surgery Incident
The tragic event of William Bryan's death due to a surgical error has raised numerous questions regarding medical negligence and surgical procedures. Here are some frequently asked questions to provide more insight into the incident.
What led to William Bryan's death during the surgery?
William Bryan died during the surgery after his liver was mistakenly removed instead of his spleen, causing massive blood loss and immediate death.
Who performed the surgery on William Bryan?
The surgery was performed by Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast hospital.
Why was the surgery initially recommended?
The surgery was recommended to remove Bryan's spleen because doctors believed it could cause complications.
Was the removal of the spleen necessary?
No, a later examination revealed that the spleen only had a small cyst and did not require surgical intervention.