Miami Transplant Institute Cures South Florida Man’s Liver Cancer, Marking a Historic 5,000 Liver Transplants 

By: Ruelle Champion

Brien Costigan’s liver transplant marked more than just one milestone. For him, it meant ending his long battle with hemochromatosis, hepatitis C, and liver cancer. For Miami Transplant Institute (MTI), a partnership with Jackson Health System and UHealth – University of Miami Health System, it meant reaching a milestone that most programs across the country haven’t – 5,000 liver transplants.

“While reaching 5,000 liver transplants is a proud accomplishment, one achieved by only five transplant centers in the U.S., it’s more than just a number,” said Eric F. Martin, MD, medical director of liver transplant at MTI. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our team.”

Dr. Martin and his team kept a close eye on Costigan as his liver issues led to cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, and liver cancer. His first diagnosis of liver cancer in 2022 was treated through radiation and he went into remission.

“We lived happily ever after for about a year, but then it came back,” added Costigan.

Liver cancer returned with two new tumors. He was treated with ablation therapy, a minimally invasive surgery using heat or cold to destroy tumors. A brief remission period of six months was cut short by a fourth liver tumor.

“In anyone who has cirrhosis, new cancers can pop up all the time,” said Gabriel Perreault, MD, one of the transplant hepatologists caring for Costigan. “Once you’ve had it pop up once, it’s going to keep recurring.”

To measure the severity of liver failure, doctors use a Measure for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. The scores, between six and 40, determine how soon a patient may need a liver transplant.

Through multiple liver diseases and multiple rounds of liver cancer, Costigan’s MELD score remained at an eight and his liver function stayed relatively normal. “They kept appealing and saying that he should be higher up on a list’,” he added.

On October 20, 2025, specific medical criteria resulted in a 28 MELD score, landing Costigan on the liver transplant waiting list at MTI.

The team shared that he could wait anywhere from two weeks to two years for a match.

“Two days later, I get a call and they said, ‘hey, we have a liver for you’,” said Costigan.

Him and his wife immediately drove to Jackson Memorial Hospital.

“I mean this from the bottom of my heart,” mentioned Costigan. “From the moment we walked into the hospital to the moment I walked out, everyone was fantastic.”

Costigan’s surgery marked more than 5,000 liver transplants since 1988 – giving MTI the accolade of the highest amount of liver transplants in the state and one of five centers in the nation to reach the milestone.

“I’m very proud of our success and look forward to continuing to advance liver care and patient outcomes,” added Dr. Martin. “It represents the thousands of lives and families impacted by organ donation balanced by the second chance of life it offers the recipients.”

Costigan and his wife, Wendy, say that second chance was marked by an easy, warm, and stress-free experience as he recovered.

“I felt pretty good in spite of the tumors that continued to show up on my liver, he explained. “After the transplant, I could think more clearly.”

What he didn’t know is that his liver was far more damaged than he realized. A biopsy of the removed liver revealed more tumors and it was close to failing.

“The doctor told me I probably had 12 to 18 months left to live,” added Costigan.

Now post-transplant, he is cancer-free and cured of liver cirrhosis. With the added years, he’ll spend his time with family, friends, and cheering on his beloved Green Bay Packers. The Costigan’s feel gratitude toward the MTI team.

“It’s a gift from God, and we’re so blessed to have had this opportunity,” said Costigan.