Mega Doctor News
McALLEN, Texas – Using advanced robotic technology to assist surgeons in performing complex procedures with enhanced precision, dexterity and control, robotic surgery represents one of the most significant advancements in modern medicine.
By enabling minimally invasive procedures to be performed with greater accuracy, robotic-assisted surgery is redefining surgical care, helping patients benefit from smaller incisions, less pain, reduced hospital stays and faster recoveries.
“Every advancement in robotic surgery ultimately comes down to improving the patient experience,” says Miguel Rodriguez, DO, a general, bariatric and robotic surgeon with South Texas Health System (STHS) Clinics. “These technologies allow us to perform procedures with remarkable precision while helping patients recover more comfortably and return to their daily lives sooner.”
Committed to expanding access to innovative surgical care, STHS McAllen, a Level I Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center, is expanding its Robotic Surgery Program this fall.
STHS McAllen’s first da Vinci® 5 Robotic Surgical System was affectionately named ChRIS (Comprehensive Robotic Intelligence Surgeon) through a community contest. Since its introduction in March 2025, the system has supported nearly 900 robotic-assisted procedures.
To meet increasing demand for minimally invasive surgical options, the hospital has added a second da Vinci 5 system, further enhancing its advanced surgical capabilities.
The latest generation of robotic-assisted surgical technology, the da Vinci 5 is designed to improve surgical precision, efficiency and clinical outcomes. Among the system’s most innovative features is Force Feedback technology, which provides surgeons with real-time sensory feedback at the instrument tip, allowing them to apply up to 43% less force on tissue compared to previous systems.
The platform enables surgeons to perform procedures through one or more small incisions, typically less than a centimeter in length, offering significant benefits over traditional open surgery, including less scarring, decreased discomfort and shorter recovery periods.
“At STHS McAllen, every investment we make is focused on enhancing the care we provide and improving the experience of our patients,” says Emma Montes-Ewing, Chief Executive Officer, STHS McAllen. “The addition of a second da Vinci 5 system will allow us to serve more patients with advanced minimally invasive procedures, expanding access to the latest surgical innovations while helping improve recovery and overall outcomes.”
To celebrate the arrival of the new robotic surgical system, STHS McAllen is inviting Rio Grande Valley elementary school-aged children to help give the robot a name through its special Name the Robot Contest.
Children interested in participating can submit a name suggestion, along with an explanation of their choice, through the contest entry form at www.surveymonkey.com/r/95NS72X no later than Friday, September 11, 2026.
The three finalists and their parents will be invited to attend STHS McAllen’s official robot naming celebration in early October, where the winning name will be unveiled.
“This contest is about more than naming a robot; it’s about inspiring young minds and highlighting the exciting intersection of healthcare and technology,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing and Public Relations, STHS. “We’re looking forward to seeing the creativity of children across the Rio Grande Valley and celebrating the student whose winning submission will become a lasting part of STHS McAllen’s Robotic Surgery Program.”
In addition to earning bragging rights, the winning student will receive special prizes from STHS and have the opportunity to pose for a photo with the newly named robot in its home within the STHS McAllen Surgical Services Department.
For more information, contact the STHS Marketing Department at 956-388-2020 or STHSMarketing@uhsinc.com.
To learn more about the surgical services available at STHS McAllen, visit facility’s Surgery Services webpage.
