Hooters Waitress offers up more than Hot Wings: How About a Kidney?

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When you think of a Hooters waitress, kidneys aren't the first things that pop into mind. But recently, a waitress from a Georgia Hooters donated one of these vital organs to a long-time patron in need.

Mariana Villarreal, a 22-year-old server, donated one of her kidneys to 72-year-old Donald Thomas. Although the waitress and diner were not well-acquainted, Mariana was inspired to help after losing her grandmother to kidney failure earlier this year.

The surgery was performed on Friday and both patients are recovering nicely.

"He is progressing at a remarkable rate," said Cerise Wotorson, clinical manager of the Transplant Unit at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, of the recipient's recovery. "Mr. Thomas is in good spirits and is already up and walking around the unit."

A team worked in tandem to complete the operation. Dr. Harrison Pollinger performed Villareal's donor procedure, using a robotic approach through a small incision on the waitress' abdomen. Dr. Mathew Malloy, a multi-organ transplant surgeon, transplanted the organ into Mr. Thomas.

"The surgery could not have gone better," said Dr. Pollinger, as the two patients were sent to recovery.

The minimally invasive procedure used to procure the organ means a quick recovery for Ms. Villareal. She was released from the hospital on Saturday and doctors will continue to monitor both patients as they recover.

"Continuing forward, we will monitor both their oral and intravenous intake and output closely to ensure adequate kidney function," Pollinger says. "Comfort and mobility are also essential to transplant patients' post-operative success."

For most organs, transplant surgery is a last resort treatment. But not in the case of kidneys. Kidney transplantation is actually a first line therapy for patients who are suitable candidates, making it the most common form of transplant operation in the U.S.

"A kidney transplant is not a last resort; it's a first resort," says nephrologist Emilio Poggio, an expert in kidney transplantation. "For people who meet the requirements for kidney transplantation, it's the best option for treatment."

But kidney transplants are typically limited by the scarcity of donors. Those that cannot procure a new kidney are relocated to dialysis for the rest of their lives or until such a donor is found.

Thanks to Mariana's gracious gift, Mr. Thomas no longer has to wait. Should you feel inclined to donate a kidney, the National Kidney Foundation would be happy to speak to you.