Mega Doctor News
Ten years ago, South Texas Health System Edinburg introduced a groundbreaking advancement in surgical care: robotic-assisted surgery. Today, thanks to the dedication and expertise of two extraordinary surgeons— Dr. Bob Saggi and Dr. Sandra Esquivel— the hospital is celebrating a significant milestone: 4,000 robotic surgery procedures completed. This impressive achievement not only showcases the capabilities of the da Vinci Xi® system but highlights the physicians who have harnessed its potential to improve outcomes and change lives in the Rio Grande Valley.
As of March 28, 2025, Dr. Saggi had performed 1,551 robotic procedures at STHS Edinburg, a personal milestone reached shortly after the facility honored him for surpassing 1,500 earlier that month. Dr. Esquivel, who celebrated her 1,000th robotic surgery in May 2023, has reached an astonishing 1,648 procedures. Their accomplishments are remarkable, but they represent something much larger: a shared commitment to advancing surgical care, embracing innovation, and prioritizing patient well-being.
Both surgeons are Diplomates of the American Board of Surgery and Fellows of the American College of Surgeons. Their impressive training backgrounds and broad surgical specialties reflect a career-long dedication to excellence. Dr. Saggi, a University of Kentucky College of Medicine graduate, specializes in procedures ranging from complex hernia repair to gastrointestinal and liver surgeries. “It’s an amazing milestone for me as a surgeon, as well as for STHS Edinburg,” he says. “While this is an achievement to be celebrated, we’re committed to continuing to grow our volumes and expand the scope of the procedures performed to provide Rio Grande Valley patients requiring surgery with better results and speedier recovery times.”
Dr. Esquivel, a UT Southwestern Medical Center graduate, brings vast experience in breast surgery, gallbladder procedures, colon surgery, and more. For her, robotic surgery is the natural next step in surgical evolution. “Laparoscopic surgery was a stepping-stone to get to this point,” she explains. “From a medical standpoint, we always want to improve things. To me, [robotic surgery] is a natural progression towards making things better for the patient.”
Together, these two pioneers helped STHS Edinburg achieve Center of Excellence designations for robotic and minimally invasive surgery and hernia surgery from the Surgical Review Corporation. Their work has elevated the hospital’s status and redefined what patients can expect from their surgical experiences— shorter hospital stays, less pain, faster recovery, and smaller incisions.
The journey began in 2015 when STHS Edinburg became the first facility south of San Antonio to use the da Vinci Xi system. With a second system added in 2021, the hospital has been able to expand access to minimally invasive robotic procedures. The da Vinci Xi allows unmatched precision and control, offering 3D, high-definition visualization and advanced articulation that surpasses the human hand. For patients, that means fewer complications and a quicker return to daily life.
This issue of Mega Doctor invites you to explore the stories behind the numbers—stories of commitment, innovation, and compassion. Dr. Saggi and Dr. Esquivel have propelled STHS Edinburg to an incredible 4,000-procedure milestone and set a new standard for surgical care in South Texas. Their work is changing what’s possible in the operating room— and what’s expected by the community they diligently serve.
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