Mega Doctor News
McALLEN, Texas – Advances in robotic-assisted surgery are redefining modern surgical care, providing surgeons with enhanced precision, control and visualization while helping patients benefit from smaller incisions, less pain and faster recovery times.
Demonstrating its commitment to bringing leading-edge surgical care to the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas Health System (STHS) McAllen launched its robotic surgery program in March 2025 with the acquisition of a da Vinci 5 (DV5) Robotic Surgical System, Intuitive’s most advanced platform for minimally invasive surgery.
Since then, the hospital has expanded the program with the addition of a second DV5 system, making STHS McAllen the only hospital in the region equipped with two of these state-of-the-art robotic surgical platforms.
Used for a wide range of laparoscopic soft-tissue procedures, the DV5 incorporates more than 150 design enhancements and delivers 10,000 times the computing power of previous models, enabling surgeons to perform complex operations with exceptional precision and efficiency.
Now, less than two years after launching the program, STHS McAllen has reached an extraordinary milestone with the completion of its 1,000th robotic-assisted surgery. The landmark procedure, a robotic cholecystectomy, commonly known as gallbladder removal surgery, was performed by Miguel Rodriguez, DO, FACS, a general and bariatric surgeon with STHS Clinics and medical director of the hospital’s robotic surgery program.
“To see the program reach 1,000 procedures is incredibly rewarding, especially knowing the positive impact this technology can have on our patients,” said Dr. Rodriguez. “What makes this achievement so meaningful is the teamwork behind every surgery. From physicians and nurses to the many staff members working behind the scenes, everyone plays an important role in helping us provide the best possible care.”
Three physicians have been instrumental in the growth of STHS McAllen’s robotic surgery program. Dr. Rodriguez has performed more than half of the hospital’s robotic procedures, while Krystha Cantu, MD, a general surgeon with STHS Clinics, and Phillip Kim, MD, of Rhize Urology, have also played key roles in the program’s success.
“Robotic technology has transformed the way we’re able to approach many procedures,” said Dr. Cantu. “For many patients, robotic-assisted surgery allows them to return home sooner, recover more comfortably and get back to the people and activities they love.”
The robotic surgery program at STHS McAllen supports a broad range of procedures, including gallbladder removal, abdominal wall and hiatal hernia repairs, anti-reflux surgery, emergency general surgery and complex oncologic procedures involving gastric, colon, prostate and kidney cancers.
“It’s exciting to see robotic surgery being used for so many different types of procedures,” said Dr. Kim. “It’s rewarding to know this technology is helping improve the surgical experience for patients and families throughout the Valley.”
As STHS McAllen builds on the success of its robotic surgery program, the hospital remains focused on expanding the range of robotic-assisted procedures available, investing in innovative technology and further enhancing patient outcomes through minimally invasive surgical care.
“Reaching 1,000 robotic surgeries is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of our commitment to providing advanced, high-quality care close to home,” said Emma Montes-Ewing, Chief Executive Officer, STHS McAllen. “Every procedure represents a patient who has placed their trust in our team during an important moment in their life. We’re incredibly proud of how quickly this program has grown and grateful to everyone who has helped make this milestone possible.”
To learn more about the comprehensive surgical services available at STHS McAllen, including robotic-assisted procedures, visit STHSMcAllen.com.
