GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) – After a fight to get permission from the Army, a soldier underwent surgery Wednesday to donate a kidney to his mother.

Army Spec. Frank Chapman and his mother, Patricia Chapman, of Dunnellon, Fla., were both in good condition, Shands at UF Medical Center reported.

Surgeons reportedly used a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure to remove his kidney.

“The procedure today went as expected, which means we got the plumbing right,” said Dr. Alan Hemming, UF College of Medicine professor and chief of transplantation. “This son has given his mother a precious gift.”

Army Spc. Frank Chapman, 27, was a match for his 54-year-old mother, Patricia, who has a kidney disease and is on dialysis three days a week. His request was initially denied by the Army, which said the donation could lead to later medical problems for the soldier. Frank Chapman said the denial was over a high blood pressure reading at a hospital.

Chapman disputed that ruling and was cleared for surgery by doctors at Reynolds Army Community Hospital at Fort Sill, Okla., and Shands Hospital. The Army surgeon general’s office agreed to reconsider their opinion following a 24-hour period of blood pressure monitoring.

Hospital officials said the family has asked for privacy while mother and son recover.

U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes, D-New Hampshire, said the Army is expediting Chapman’s request for “compassionate reassignment” so he can care for his mother.

Chapman lived in New Hampshire before moving to Oklahoma last July.

AP-ES-06-13-07 1818EDT