Mega Doctor News
EDINBURG, Texas – Robotic-assisted surgery has transformed the way many complex procedures are performed, offering surgeons enhanced precision, greater flexibility and improved visualization while helping patients benefit from smaller incisions, less pain and faster recoveries.
As a recognized leader in advanced surgical care, South Texas Health System (STHS) Edinburg has been at the forefront of this evolution. Designated a Center of Excellence in robotic, minimally invasive and hernia surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), the facility has continually invested in innovative technologies that expand treatment options and improve patient outcomes across the Rio Grande Valley.
Since launching its robotic surgery program in 2015, STHS Edinburg has expanded its capabilities to support a broad range of procedures, from routine general surgeries to highly specialized operations involving the stomach, liver, pancreas, esophagus and colorectal system.
Equipped with three da Vinci robotic surgical platforms, the hospital’s surgical teams can perform increasingly complex procedures with exceptional precision while offering patients a less invasive surgical experience.
The success of the program has been driven by surgeons who have embraced innovation in pursuit of better patient outcomes. Among them is Bob Saggi, MD, FACS, an SRC-accredited Surgeon of Excellence with STHS Clinics who played an instrumental role in establishing the robotic surgery program at STHS Edinburg and guiding its growth over the past decade.
In recognition of his contributions to surgical excellence and innovation, leaders and operating room staff at STHS Edinburg recently celebrated Dr. Saggi for reaching an extraordinary milestone: 2,000 robotic-assisted surgical procedures performed within STHS, including 1,684 at STHS Edinburg alone.
His achievement reflects years of dedication to advancing minimally invasive care and helping patients throughout South Texas benefit from the latest surgical technologies.
“Reaching 2,000 robotic procedures is a meaningful milestone, not just for me, but for the entire team that has helped build this program over the last decade,” said Dr. Saggi. “From our operating room nurses and surgical technologists to anesthesia providers and hospital leadership, every member of the team has played a vital role in our success. What began as a program focused on select procedures has evolved into a comprehensive robotic surgery service capable of treating increasingly complex conditions with exceptional precision. It’s rewarding to see how far we’ve come and, more importantly, how many patients throughout the Valley have benefited from advanced, minimally invasive surgical care.”
As one of the most comprehensive robotic surgery programs in the four-county region, STHS Edinburg has consistently invested in technologies that expand access to advanced, minimally invasive surgical care.
In 2015, STHS Edinburg became the first hospital south of San Antonio to offer the da Vinci Xi Surgical System, marking a significant advancement in the region’s surgical capabilities.
The hospital expanded its robotic fleet with a second Xi system in 2021 and further strengthened the program in 2025 with the addition of the state-of-the-art da Vinci 5, enabling surgeons to perform an even broader range of complex procedures with enhanced precision and control.
“Thanks to leaders like Dr. Saggi and the expertise of our surgical teams, Valley residents can count on STHS Edinburg for comprehensive, high-quality surgical care close to home, supported by some of the most advanced technology available today,” said Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Edinburg and STHS Children’s. “Since helping launch our robotic surgery program more than a decade ago, Dr. Saggi has been instrumental in expanding access to minimally invasive surgical procedures that enhance the patient experience through smaller incisions, less pain and faster recoveries. This milestone is a remarkable reflection of his skill, leadership and dedication to advancing surgical care while helping improve outcomes and quality of life for patients across the Valley.”
To learn more about the comprehensive surgical capabilities at STHS Edinburg, including its advanced robotic surgery program, visit STHSEdinburg.com.
