A Florida doctor has been arrested after being charged with causing the death of a patient through a surgical error. Thomas Schachnovksi, 44, faces second-degree manslaughter charges following an incident where he mistakenly removed the liver of 70-year-old William Bryan instead of his spleen during a surgery in August 2024. This unfortunate mistake led to Bryan bleeding to death on the operating table, as reported by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson commented, “Our duty is to follow the facts wherever they lead, without fear or favor.” He added that a grand jury has suggested pursuing appropriate legal action in light of the situation. The sheriff expressed condolences for the victim’s family, emphasizing the commitment to handle the case with proper professionalism.
Schachnovksi, whose medical license has been revoked due to this incident, allegedly coerced Bryan into the surgery while he was at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital. Bryan had initially sought treatment for pain and decided against surgery, preferring to return home to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, after doctors detected an irregularity in his spleen.
According to reports, Schachnovksi insisted that the spleen be removed. The surgery turned problematic when doctors shifted to an open procedure because visibility was compromised. This change led to the cutting and stapling of blood vessels around Bryan’s liver, resulting in significant hemorrhaging and cardiac arrest.
Witnesses in the operating room recalled staff being astonished when Schachnovksi mistakenly identified the liver as the spleen. One staff member even mentioned feeling ill from the tension of the situation.
Post-surgery, Bryan was declared dead, although doctors claimed the cause was a splenic artery aneurysm. Allegations arose that Schachnovksi asked his team to label the liver as a “spleen” for pathology examinations, leading to concerns among staff who felt misled about the incident.
Ultimately, Bryan’s death was classified as a homicide due to the unintended removal of his liver. Schachnovksi was taken into custody on Monday morning and is currently awaiting his first court appearance at the Walton County Jail.
