Mega Doctor News
One of the most frequently performed surgeries in the United States, gallbladder removal is becoming increasingly common.
Between 750,000 and 934,000 cholecystectomies are performed nationwide each year, according to the National Institutes of Health.
The growing demand is linked to rising rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, more sedentary lifestyles, rapid weight loss associated with popular weight-loss medications and an aging population.
As these risk factors become more prevalent, so does the incidence of gallstones and other gallbladder-related conditions requiring surgical treatment.
“Many patients live with gallbladder symptoms for months or even years before seeking treatment, often assuming the pain or digestive issues will go away on their own,” said Bob Saggi, MD, FACS, a general and robotic surgeon with South Texas Health System (STHS) Clinics. “When gallstones begin to interfere with daily activities or cause recurring discomfort, surgery can provide lasting relief. Our goal is to help patients return to enjoying their lives without the pain and uncertainty that gallbladder disease can cause.”
Prompt treatment of symptomatic gallbladder disease is critical to reducing the risk of serious complications, including acute cholecystitis, bile duct obstruction and pancreatitis.
“Seeking care early can help patients avoid emergency situations and often leads to better outcomes and a smoother recovery,” added Dr. Saggi. “The sooner we address the problem, the sooner patients can get back to their normal routines and quality of life.”
Rio Grande Valley residents requiring gallbladder removal can rely on STHS for nationally recognized care.
For the sixth consecutive year, STHS Edinburg and STHS McAllen have earned a Five-Star Rating for Gallbladder Removal Surgery from Healthgrades, recognizing both hospitals for superior clinical outcomes and placing them among the nation’s leading providers of specialty surgical care.
“Receiving this recognition for a sixth consecutive year is a testament to the skill, dedication and collaboration of our surgeons, nurses, surgical technologists and support staff who work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients,” said Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Edinburg and STHS Children’s. “At STHS, we remain committed to investing in advanced technology, evidence-based practices and highly trained medical professionals to provide exceptional surgical care for the communities we serve.”
The Healthgrades Five-Star Rating is awarded to hospitals that demonstrate superior patient outcomes for specific procedures and treatments.
As part of its annual analysis, Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide across more than 30 common conditions and procedures to identify top-performing organizations.
“This recognition from Healthgrades reinforces the trust our community places in us and reflects our ongoing commitment to evidence-based care, patient safety and clinical excellence,” said Emma Montes-Ewing, Chief Executive Officer, STHS McAllen. “Every day, our teams work to ensure patients receive the highest quality treatment and achieve the best possible outcomes.”
The designation comes at a time when differences in hospital performance continue to widen. According to Healthgrades’ 2026 analysis, if all hospitals had performed at the level of Five-Star hospitals during the study period, an estimated 224,958 lives could have been saved and 141,692 complications avoided.
“Healthgrades’ specialty awards identify the nation’s top-performing hospitals in key service areas, helping consumers find high-quality care tailored to their specific needs,” said Alana Biggers, MD, MPH, medical advisor, Healthgrades. “We’re proud to recognize STHS McAllen and STHS Edinburg for their consistently superior outcomes in gallbladder removal surgery.”
To learn more about the comprehensive surgical services available at STHS Edinburg and STHS McAllen, visit southtexashealthsystem.com.
