Members of the surgical team celebrating 5,000 gynecologic robotic surgeries with balloons.

HCA Houston Healthcare-affiliated The Woman's Hospital of Texas celebrated its 5,000th Gynecologic Robotic Surgery on August 14. The procedure, a successful hysterectomy, was performed by Geoffrey Schnider, M.D.

The Woman's Hospital of Texas has the most experienced gynecologic robotic surgery program in Houston and is a leading robotic surgery center in the state. Accredited as a Center of Excellence for Robotic Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) since 2016, the Robotics program also includes general, colorectal and urologic specialties.

Robotic surgery provides benefits to both the surgeon and the patient. The benefits to the surgeon include the ability to carry out intricate surgical maneuvers with greater precision, improved visualization, and enhanced dexterity. The benefits to the patient have been reported to include reduced rates of complications, a shorter hospital stay, less blood loss, and minimal scarring.

"Our outstanding Robotic Surgery program exemplifies our commitment to remain on the leading edge of surgical technology as a leader in women's healthcare," said Schnider, an obstetrician and gynecologist on staff at The Woman's Hospital of Texas. "This milestone is another example of how we provide the highest level of care to the women we serve."

The Woman's Hospital of Texas also recently achieved reaccreditation as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology by the Surgical Review Corporation. Originally accredited in 2013, it distinguishes The Woman's Hospital of Texas from many other healthcare facilities by providing the highest quality of care to its patients as determined by an independent, external process of evaluation.

Its status as a Center of Excellence in both Robotic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Gynecology means The Woman's Hospital of Texas has met nationally recognized standards.

"As the #1 choice for moms and babies in Texas, it's important that we remain on the cutting edge of medicine and make sure we are maintaining the high standards we set for ourselves," says Veronica Martin, Chief Nursing Officer at The Woman's Hospital of Texas. "Our team strives every day to delivers the best possible care our patients."

Healthcare organizations that seek accreditation by the SRC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site inspection. This process includes physicians, nurses, and administrators who are actively involved in the accredited program. The inspection is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization improve its care and services.