Mega Doctor News
By Roberto Hugo González
On a momentous day at DHR Health, McAllen ISD students and surgical technician college students had the opportunity to “test drive” the newest surgical technology—the da Vinci 5 robotic-assisted surgical system. The event, which highlighted the advancements in minimally invasive surgery, allowed students to experience firsthand the precision and innovation that the da Vinci system brings to modern surgical procedures. Among the surgeons testing was Dr. Cera G. Kroenke, DO, General Surgery, a DHR Health Surgery Institute general surgeon, who shared her experience with the technology and her career.
Dr. Kroenke described her experience with the new da Vinci 5 system as “a great opportunity to increase patient care in the operating room.” The da Vinci 5, equipped with enhanced haptic feedback, allows surgeons to feel tissue resistance during surgery, providing precision impossible with previous versions. Dr. Kroenke emphasized that this tactile feedback is critical, enabling surgeons to operate with a sensation miming direct contact with a patient’s anatomy. “I think this is going to advance the operations we already perform,” she stated confidently.
Including haptic feedback in robotic surgery systems is a game-changer, particularly in minimally invasive procedures where direct contact with tissues is limited. Dr. Kroenke elaborated on this by explaining that the new feature “gives surgeons the ability to feel resistance,” which improves precision and could ultimately reduce surgical errors. Such advancements are crucial for improving patient outcomes, allowing for more delicate and accurate procedures. “It’s like actually touching the structures,” she explained, highlighting how this system bridges the gap between robotic assistance and human touch.
Dr. Kroenke’s medical career has been driven by a passion for helping others and a desire for immediate, life-changing results. Surgery was a perfect match for her with its potential for rapid patient transformation. “I wanted to help people and make sure the things I was doing directly impacted their lives,” she shared. This mindset has shaped her career, from her medical school days at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in 2013 to her residency at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley at DHR Health.
Her seven years of experience with the Da Vinci robotic system has made Dr. Kroenke a natural fit for the latest surgical technology. Over the years, she has seen the system evolve, incorporating new features that make procedures easier and more effective. With each update, she has adapted, continuing to refine her skills in robotic surgery. “I’ve loved every update they’ve had,” she said, adding that the new system will likely be more accessible to younger surgeons and trainees. “The transition to this system will be easier for those just learning robotic surgery.”
Dr. Kroenke’s enthusiasm for robotic surgery is not limited to her practice. She believes that access to advanced surgical systems like the da Vinci 5 should extend beyond significant cities and academic centers, reaching patients in underserved areas. “When I was in medical school, robotic surgery was something incredibly new, mainly used in high-volume academic centers,” she explained. Now, however, she is grateful to see this technology available in the community, specifically in the Rio Grande Valley, where it can benefit a larger population. “It’s important that this technology isn’t just limited to big cities,” she stressed, adding that more patients deserve access to the best possible care.
DHR Health and Senior Executive Vice President Marissa Castañeda has been at the forefront of this effort, providing the latest surgical technology to its physicians and, by extension, to the community. Dr. Kroenke praised the hospital for its commitment to innovation and patient care, saying, “Thank you to DHR for providing us as surgeons with this technology and allowing us to reach a larger portion of the community.”
As one of the few female general surgeons in the Rio Grande Valley, Dr. Kroenke is passionate about promoting women’s health and mentoring young women interested in pursuing a career in surgery. Dr. Kroenke serves as a role model and said, “I look forward to increasing awareness for women’s health and being a mentor to young females entering the medical field,” she stated. Her efforts to empower the next generation of female surgeons reflect her commitment to her patients and the future of medicine.
As robotic surgery advances, Dr. Kroenke is optimistic about its future. Integrating tactile feedback into robotic systems and improving precision and control promise to elevate the standard of care further. “I was hopeful we would get to this point,” she said, reflecting on the evolution of robotic systems over the past decade. She sees a future where these advancements are not only accessible to the privileged few but commonplace in hospitals across the country.
Dr. Kroenke’s experience with the da Vinci 5 marks an important milestone in her career and in adopting robotic surgery in community hospitals. Her dedication to innovation, combined with her commitment to mentoring the next generation, ensures that the field of surgery will continue to evolve, offering safer, more precise, and more accessible care for all patients.
The event at DHR Health, where students were invited to explore the latest in robotic surgical technology, highlights the importance of exposing the next generation to the innovations shaping the future of healthcare. Dr. Cera Kroenke’s insights into the new da Vinci 5 system reflect her passion for improving patient care through advanced technology and her belief in making these tools available to the community.
As she continues her work at DHR Health, Dr. Kroenke’s participation and expertise will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the future of surgery in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.
