Mega Doctor News
McALLEN, Texas – Robotic-assisted surgery is redefining surgical care, enabling physicians to perform complex procedures with enhanced precision, superior visualization and greater control.
For patients, the benefits can include smaller incisions, less pain, reduced blood loss, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and a faster return to daily life.
“Robotic surgery is helping us achieve better outcomes for our patients every day,” says Miguel Rodriguez, DO, board-certified general, bariatric and robotic surgeon and medical director of the South Texas Health System (STHS) McAllen robotic surgery program. “The technology allows us to operate with exceptional precision while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissue. As a result, many patients experience less discomfort, recover more quickly and can resume their normal activities sooner than with traditional surgical approaches.”
Robotic surgery has become an integral part of surgical care at STHS McAllen since the launch of the hospital’s robotic surgery program in March 2025 with its first da Vinci 5 (DV5) Robotic Surgical System.
In just 18 months, STHS McAllen surgeons have performed nearly 1,000 robotic-assisted procedures, providing Rio Grande Valley patients with access to advanced minimally invasive surgical options close to home.
“The growth of our robotic surgery program and the milestone of nearly 1,000 procedures highlight the tremendous impact this technology is having on patient care,” says Dr. Rodriguez. “Adding a second da Vinci 5 system will allow us to serve more patients, expand access to minimally invasive procedures and continue delivering the benefits that robotic-assisted surgery can provide.”
Building on the program’s success, STHS McAllen recently expanded its robotic capabilities with the acquisition of a second DV5, Intuitive’s most advanced robotic platform to date.
The addition increases surgical capacity, supports growing demand for robotic-assisted procedures and reinforces the hospital’s commitment to surgical innovation and clinical excellence.
“The addition of a second da Vinci 5 system allows us to expand access to advanced surgical care while continuing to deliver the exceptional outcomes our patients deserve,” says Emma Montes-Ewing, Chief Executive Officer, STHS McAllen. “Since launching the program, we’ve seen firsthand how robotic technology can enhance the patient experience through greater precision, shorter recovery times and improved outcomes. Reaching nearly 1,000 procedures in such a short time reflects both the effectiveness of the technology and the trust our patients place in our surgeons.”
Designed for a broad range of specialties, including general surgery, gynecology, urology and thoracic surgery, the DV5 incorporates more than 150 design enhancements and unmatched computing power, helping surgeons navigate complex anatomy with extraordinary precision.
The platform offers advanced visualization, improved instrument control and real-time feedback to support surgical performance and optimize patient outcomes.
To commemorate the expansion of its robotic surgery program and celebrate the addition of a second DV5 system, STHS McAllen will host a special celebration on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the hospital’s Private Dining Room.
Featuring hospital leaders, robotic surgeons and community stakeholders, the event will highlight the program’s growth, highlight the capabilities of the da Vinci 5 system and celebrate the nearly 1,000 robotic-assisted procedures performed since the program’s launch.
“This investment represents our ongoing commitment to bringing the latest advances in healthcare to the communities we serve,” says Montes-Ewing. “As demand for minimally invasive surgery continues to grow, expanding our robotic surgery program ensures more Valley residents have access to leading-edge care without having to leave the region.”
In addition to learning more about the impact of robotic surgery, attendees will have the opportunity to experience the technology firsthand through demonstrations using a traveling DV5 model.
To learn more about the surgical services available at STHS McAllen, visit the hospital’s surgical services webpage.
To learn more about the surgical services available through STHS McAllen, visit the facility’s website
at https://www.southtexashealthsystemmcallen.com/services/surgery.
| Who: | South Texas Health System McAllen |
| What: | Robotic Surgery Expansion Celebration |
| When: | Monday, October 12, 2026, from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. |
| Where: | South Texas Health System McAllen301 W. Expressway 83McAllen, TX 78503 |
