The family of an Alabama man who died during surgery is suing the Florida hospital where the surgery was performed, claiming surgeons removed the wrong organ. USA Today reported.
William Bryan, 70, went to Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Walton County, Florida, to have his spleen removed on Aug. 18. Bryan had begun experiencing “severe abdominal pain” while on vacation with his wife of 33 years, Beverly, in nearby Destin, according to Bryan family attorney Joe Zarzaur.
According to the surgical pathology report given; USA Today By Zarzaur, Shaknovsky diagnosed Bryan with hemoperitoneum and splenic injury, or splenic hemorrhage. After discussing spleen removal and informing Bryan and Beverly about the procedure's “risks, benefits, and alternatives,” surgeon Thomas Shaknovsky performed the procedure.
During the initial interview, Beverly expressed a desire to return to Destin before her husband underwent the procedure, but Shaknovsky allegedly told her that Bryan could bleed to death if he were to undergo the transplant in his current condition.
The report also notes that doctors removed Bryan's “large” spleen during surgery on August 21, during which he died from significant blood loss. “The case was discussed at length with the patient's wife and family, and they were informed of the unfortunate developments,” the report says. “All events surrounding the surgery were discussed with the family. All questions were answered.”
But after the procedure, a pathologist realized the “spleen” actually contained liver tissue, according to Zarzaur. A medical examiner later confirmed that Bryan's liver had been removed and that his spleen was still there, with a cyst attached to it.
“There was a small cyst on the spleen with some bleeding around it, but it wasn't a fatal problem,” Zarzaur said at a news conference Tuesday. “It was a pretty routine-looking cyst. It was probably very treatable.”
“We take allegations of this nature very seriously and our leadership team is conducting a thorough investigation into this incident,” a hospital spokesperson said via email. “Patient safety is and remains our number one priority. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We have the utmost respect for the privacy of our patients. We do not comment on specific patient cases or active litigation.”
Beverly Bryan also gave an emotional statement at Tuesday's press conference, calling her husband's death “unnecessary and cruel.”
“I had the good fortune of being William Bryan’s wife, and I will always be grateful for the time I spent with him,” she said. “We have three children (and) eight grandchildren, and they are also grateful for the time they spent with him.”
“I am heartbroken and angry that Bill is not here because of the incompetence of the doctors involved in the negligence of Ascension Hospital. They took him from us when he was completely helpless on the operating table. They took out his liver instead of his spleen, so of course he bled to death on the operating table,” Beverly continued.
“He brought joy to every life he touched,” Beverly said. “He was the best husband and father I could ever ask for… I will get through this and be strong for him because he deserves justice for that.”