STHS Clinic Surgeon Dr. Bob Saggi Completes Milestone of 1,500 Robotic Procedures

Dr. Saggi, an accredited Surgeon of Excellence by the Surgical Review Corporation, helped launch the robotic surgery program at STHS Edinburg in 2015

A pioneering innovation in the medical industry, robotic surgery has helped to redefine the landscape of surgical procedures throughout the world by combining robotic precision with a surgeon’s skill and expertise.

Referring to a minimally invasive surgical technique where specialized mechanized systems are utilized to assist surgeons in performing procedures with unparalleled precision and control, robotic surgery allows surgeons to operate on a patient via one or more small incisions, typically less than or equal to one centimeter long, as opposed to the larger incisions required in traditional surgery.

For 10 years, South Texas Health System Edinburg – an accredited Center of Excellence in robotic, minimally invasive and hernia surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) – has provided advanced surgical solutions to improve patient outcomes, including minimally invasive procedures that help shorten hospital stays, improve recovery times and minimize risks.

Using the da Vinci Xi Surgical System, STHS Edinburg has been able to expand from routine general surgical procedures to more advanced operations involving stomach, liver, pancreas, esophageal and colorectal procedures. It provides surgeons with enhanced vision, greater access to their patients’ internal organs and higher precision than with previous systems.

Recently, STHS Edinburg leaders and operating room staff celebrated Bob Saggi, MD, FACS, an accredited Surgeon of Excellence by the SRC, for completing 1,500 robotic procedures at the facility.

“It’s an amazing milestone for me as a surgeon, as well as for STHS Edinburg, because it demonstrates our combined dedication to consistently delivering positive patient outcomes,” says Dr. Saggi. “While this is a feat to be celebrated, we’re committed to continue 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.”

As one of the most comprehensive robotic programs in the four-county region, STHS Edinburg became the first medical facility south of San Antonio to use the da Vinci Xi system in 2015. It added a second unit in 2021, with plans underway to add a third – the new da Vinci 5 Robotic Surgical System – later this year.

“The addition of the robotic surgery program at STHS Edinburg has had a tremendous impact on the community, providing nearly 4,000 patients with advanced technology that allows them to get back to normal much quicker compared to traditional surgery,” says Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Edinburg & STHS Children’s. “Dr. Saggi has been at the forefront of our program, and we’re looking forward to celebrating his next milestone. Together with him and our other robotic surgeons, STHS Edinburg making a difference in the lives of Valley residents.”

To learn more about the robotic surgery program at STHS Edinburg, visit STHSEdinburg.com.

About South Texas Health System

South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.