Mega Doctor News
McALLEN, Texas – From smaller incisions and less pain to shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times, robotic-assisted surgery is changing the way patients experience surgical care.
At South Texas Health System (STHS) McAllen, this advanced minimally invasive technology allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater precision and enhanced visualization, helping patients heal faster and get back to their daily lives sooner.
Building on the success of its robotic surgery program, STHS McAllen celebrated the addition of a second da Vinci 5 (DV5) Robotic Surgical System during a special community event on October 12, 2026, becoming the only hospital in the Rio Grande Valley equipped with two of the advanced platforms.
The celebration brought together hospital leaders, surgeons, staff and community members to mark the program’s continued growth and showcase the capabilities of the approximately $2.5 million surgical system. Attendees, including healthcare professionals and students, got an up-close look at the technology and even had the opportunity to experience its capabilities firsthand using a traveling DV5 demonstration unit.
“The addition of a second DV5 system is an exciting step forward for our robotic surgery program, allowing us to expand access to advanced minimally invasive procedures for more patients,” said Miguel Rodriguez, DO, FACS, board-certified general, bariatric and robotic surgeon with STHS Clinics and medical director of the STHS McAllen Robotic Surgery Program. “Giving community members an opportunity to interact with this technology is equally important because it helps them better understand how robotic-assisted surgery can enhance patient care and surgical outcomes.”
Check out he gallery below for more images of the event at STHS McAllen. All images courtesy of STHS
Since launching its robotic surgery program in March 2025, STHS McAllen surgeons have performed nearly 1,000 robotic-assisted procedures in just 18 months, reflecting the growing demand for advanced surgical options across the region.
One of those patients is Alicia Cruz, an emergency medical technician (EMT) who underwent robotic-assisted surgery in May to repair a perforated duodenal ulcer. Performed by Dr. Rodriguez using the DV5 system, the procedure helped her recover quickly and return to her normal routine.
During the event, Alicia had the unique opportunity to experience the technology from a different perspective. Rather than being the patient, she stepped behind the controls of a DV5 demonstration unit to see firsthand how the system works.
“It was incredible to see what this technology can do, especially knowing it played such an important role in my recovery,” said Alicia. “After going through the experience myself, I’m grateful this level of advanced surgical care is available right here in the Valley.”
Designed for a broad range of specialties, the DV5 system features more than 150 design enhancements and powerful computing capabilities that help surgeons navigate complex anatomy with exceptional precision.
The addition of a second system increases surgical capacity, supports the growing demand for robotic-assisted procedures and further strengthens STHS McAllen’s commitment to innovation and clinical excellence.
“Valley residents deserve access to the latest advancements in surgical care without having to travel far from home,” said Emma Montes-Ewing, Chief Executive Officer of STHS McAllen. “The addition of a second DV5 system reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in advanced technology, expanding access to innovative treatments and ensuring more patients can receive high-quality care close to home.”
Robotic-assisted procedures at STHS McAllen are performed across a variety of specialties, including general surgery, gynecology and urology. Common procedures include hernia repairs, gallbladder removals, colorectal procedures, hysterectomies and other complex operations that benefit from the enhanced precision, flexibility and minimally invasive capabilities of the DV5 system.
To learn more about the comprehensive surgical services available at STHS McAllen, visit the hospital’s surgical services webpage at sthsmcallen.com.
