MEDICAL MARVEL
Patient Outcomes
By Amy Morgan
Technology
keeps advancing in amazing ways. Not only have we sent a person to the moon, now we’re landing rocket return flights! The medical field is equally innovative – new equipment is allowing physicians to perform procedures that once would only have been imagined.
One such innovation is the Da Vinci 5 (DV5) robotic surgery system now being used by surgeons at Baptist Health System. This advanced and integrated system supports various specialties, including urology, gynecology, general surgery, and thoracic, and offers new features to help surgeons perform minimally invasive surgeries with enhanced precision and control.
Baptist Health System unveiled the DV5 this summer at North Central Baptist in Stone Oak. Brian Szender, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., M.P.H., is a gynecologic oncologist with 15 years experience treating women with reproductive tract cancers of the cervix or uterus. Dr. Szender has completed almost 40 procedures using the DV5 in just a few months.
“It is the next evolution in the way we can do robotic, endoscopic surgery for patients,” he said. “The electronics and computational power are a huge step forward, not just now but in the future.”
The DV5 transforms surgery for the surgeons, care team and patients, he added. “It makes the process
of starting the case more efficient and wounds more organized. Because it collects data, it helps surgeons unlock new answers. This new approach, with the magnification, stability, ergonomics, dexterity and precision are key for us to be able to provide the highest quality, minimally invasive surgery for our patients.”
Previously, surgeries like a hysterectomy would require a physician to open the entire abdominal cavity to view and work on the target area. The Da Vinci 5 lets a surgeon like Dr. Szender guide robotic arm tools into the body through small incisions – many barely longer than an inch. The cameras on the arms allow him to see the path on the monitor screen. Using the DV5 allows Dr. Szender to complete an operation in a much less invasive way, reducing the risk of complications like blood clot or infection and promoting more rapid healing.
New Da Vinci 5 Robotic Surgery System Improves
“I tell my patients, ‘This is not your mom’s hysterectomy,’” Dr. Szender said. “It’s an outpatient procedure — patients can go home in just a few hours and be in their own bed instead of in a hospital. Our goal is for our patients to be back to normal functioning as soon as possible.”
The Da Vinci 5 offers several new features including a highly integrated system, so surgeons can do more with less equipment. The surgeon manipulates the instruments from a console, translating hand movements into precise actions by the robotic arms. The flexible arms include a wide range of motion to permit more precise and delicate movements.
The ergonomic console includes a comfortable viewing hood that allows for natural movements and reduces human fatigue. “We can control so many things from the surgeon console,” Dr. Szender said. “It’s an immersive experience. I have the ability to move the headset to exactly where I want it to be in a variety of different positions, which makes surgery more comfortable.”
3D high-definition imaging provides surgeons with a clear, magnified view of the surgical area, making it easier to see small details. The system’s highresolution screen enhances precision, allowing the surgeon to perform complex tasks such as cutting, suturing and dissecting with improved dexterity and control. Real-time fluorescence imaging allows doctors to map blood flow even through tiny capillaries and avoid other organs or vessels.
The Da Vinci 5 also incorporates “forced feedback” to help surgeons feel the tugging on the tissue as they move instruments, helping them keep incisions small and reduce bleeding, as well as alleviating extraneous motion from a surgeon’s hand.
“Haptic feedback is one of the things we have been asking for since we started training on the original platform,” Dr. Szender said. “It’s the natural feel of operating with our hands. The real-time, tactile feedback helps us put less strain on the tissue, which leads to less pain and faster patient recovery.”
Another benefit Dr. Szender appreciates as an oncologist – because his patients recover more quickly, they are able to continue their systemic cancer treatment schedule without long interruption.
“As an oncologist covering the entire spectrum of treatment for the patient, I am able to manage the details of the cancer to time treatment for optimal outcome,” he said. Before he was able to perform surgery with the DV5, a patient might not be ready to resume treatment for a month or more. Now, Dr. Szender can bring his cancer patients back to the clinic to re-start chemotherapy within two weeks.
“I am a huge fan of being able to use this technology to take care of my patients and exceed their expectations,” Dr. Szender said. “When they come back to clinic, I often hear, ‘I don’t know what I was expecting – my friends can’t even believe I had surgery.’”
Da Vinci 5
Our most advanced and integrated robotic surgery system–ever
Community Calendar
Presented by Frost
Activities at the Walker Ranch Senior Center – Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Hot meals served daily from 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. for qualifying seniors and their spouses. Exercise, field trips, bingo, loteria, movies, arts and crafts, free health and wellness screenings vary daily. 835 W. Rhapsody 78216; 210-207-5280.
Stone Oak Rotary Club – Tuesdays, noon -1 p.m. Guest speakers weekly. Dona Tota, 923 Loop 1604 W. #115 78232; www.stoneoaksarotary.org.
Tejas Rodeo – Saturdays through November, 5 p.m. - 1 a.m. Enjoy live rodeo action: bronco riding, team roping, barrel racing, mutton bustin’ and calf scramble. Live music at 9 p.m. Tejas Rodeo Company, 401 Obst Road 78163; www.tejasrodeo.com.
SASCA Autocross Event – Saturday, Nov. 2, 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. Participants compete to drive through a mini road course made of cones sponsored by the San Antonio Sports Car Association. River City Community Church parking lot, 16765 Lookout Road 78154; www.sasca.org.
Battle of Leon Creek – Saturday, Nov. 2, 20-mile, 10-mile or 5K, staggered starts 7-9 a.m. Fourth of the Alamo Beer Series Challenge. 6222 UTSA Blvd. 78249; www.scallywompus.com.
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Wednesday, Nov. 6, 4 - 6 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. Luce Ristorante, 11255 Huebner Road 78230; www.spn-sa.org.
Reagan Stage Theatre presents The Drowning Girls – Wednesday, Nov. 6 - Saturday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m. Canadian play based on a true story about three murdered girls who rise from their bathtubs to testify against their killer. Black Box Theatre, Ronald Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan 78258; www.reaganstage.org.
3rd Annual Uncork to Support hosted by the Texas Oncology Foundation – Friday, Nov. 8, 7 - 10 p.m. Wine tasting experience and online auction benefits families affected by cancer. Online auction opens Nov. 3 at noon. Aggie Park Event Center, 6205 West Avenue 78213. www.UncorktoSupportTXOF.com.
Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival – Friday, Nov. 8 - Sunday, Nov. 10. Times of events vary. Epicurean experience allows food and wine lovers alike to explore the unique flavors of Texas with live music, educational panels, samples of cocktails, wine and craft beer. 200 E. Market St. 78205; www.culinariasa.org/tasting-texas.
Exhibit C Live Presents “Dr. Death” – Monday, Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m. An inperson evening with your favorite true crime podcasters will leave you on the edge of your seat. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, HEB Performance Hall, 100 Auditorium Circle 78205; www.tobincenter.org.
Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park – Friday, Nov. 15 - Sunday, Jan. 5. MondayThursday 5 - 10 p.m., Friday, 5 - 11 p.m., Saturday, noon - 11 p.m., Sunday, 1 - 8 p.m. Fun and festive recreational activity for the family throughout the holiday season. 301 E. Travis St. 78205; www.rotaryicerink.com.
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Friday, Nov. 15, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. Roo Pub, 19314 U.S. Highway 281 N 78258; www.spn-sa.org.
Culinaria’s Women & Whiskey with a Twist at La Cantera Resort & Spa – Thursday, Nov. 21, 6 - 9 p.m. Grateful Gatherings with Woodinville. Tastings, bites, vendors and live entertainment. 16641 La Cantera Parkway 78256; www.culinariasa.org.
Magik Theatre Presents The Velveteen Rabbit – Saturday, Nov. 23Sunday, Dec. 29. Times vary. Live theater production based on the children’s classic story. The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. 78205; www.magiktheatre.org.
A Magical Cirque Christmas – Saturday, Nov. 23, 7:30 p.m. Holiday variety show full of nostalgia, charm and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Majestic Theater, 224 E. Houston St. 78205; www.majesticempire.com/events.
Foster Perry Travel presents Gerald Albright in its Jazz on the Water Series – Saturday, Nov. 23, 7 and 9:30 p.m. By Land & Sea Concert features nationally recognized Smooth Jazz artists. 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. 78207; www.jazzonthewaterus.com.
NEISD Thanksgiving Break – November 25 - 29
Dangerous Dogs
Protect Yourself and Your Pup from Attack When Walking
By Camp Bow Wow Staff
You’ve probably experienced it… that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when a peaceful walk with your furry family member is interrupted by the sight of an unaccompanied dog. You wonder if you’ll be approached… or even worse, attacked! San Antonio has been plagued by an increasing number of incidents involving dangerous dogs on the loose. One 81-year-old man even lost his life this summer after being severely bitten.
Before a situation occurs, take a few moments to think about how you would respond and make a plan to keep you and your precious pup from harm.
How do you know if an approaching canine is aggressive, protecting its perceived territory or just curious? Look for warning signs like:
• Bared teeth, growling or snarling
• Ears that are lying flat back against its head
• Tense body posture, including a stiff tail that’s not wagging
• A steady charge toward you
First of all, remain calm and don’t panic. Avoid direct eye contact, which can be perceived as a threat.
Don’t scream or wave your arms or legs around in a high energy manner. Try not to scare the dog so it thinks it needs to protect itself.
Don’t run away. This can trigger the approaching dog’s prey drive and encourage him to attack. It also can allow the animal to think it has the upper hand.
Don’t turn your back on a threatening animal. You need to be able to see what the intruder is going to do and prepare to fight back if necessary.
A tougher instinct to resist – Don’t pick your dog up unless the size difference between the two is a complete mismatch. It will be harder to defend yourself or Fido if your arms are full of your wiggly, growling pup. If your dog is on the ground, it has a fighting chance of warding off the threat with his own natural defense weapons of claws and teeth.
If off-leash dogs begin to consistently turn up on your regular walking route, prepare yourself with a large
stick, spray mace or a loud blow horn to scare them off. You might also bring some treats or toys to distract them. Throw a treat or other object – even a backpack or water bottle — away from you so the animals go after something other than you.
Be ready to use your weapons in self-defense if necessary. Fight back if a dog won’t stop leaping at you. Face forward and step in toward the aggressor to cause it to back off. You can and should use the stick to hit the dog if you need to keep it from biting you or your precious pup. And if it starts to bite – fight like your life is at stake, because it might be. At this point, it is ok to scream for help, because the dog has already engaged.
If it begins to retreat, you can step backward slowly, remembering not to turn your back until you are sure the threat is passed. Even then, walk, don’t run.
If you or your pup is bitten, it is important to attend to the wound to prevent infection. You’ll want to stop the bleeding, wash the area with soap and water and keep it covered. If you can’t locate the owner, you’ll need to seek medical attention and, potentially, treatment for rabies. The disease is serious and deadly but can be prevented by starting a vaccine sequence as soon as possible. You might also need a tetanus shot. A good rule of thumb is to seek medical attention for any significant wound from a dog attack.
Even if you do know the owner, you may want to report a dangerous dog to the authorities. The city keeps a record of aggressive animals. Owners are starting to be held legally responsible for the actions of their pets. Your call may prevent another person or pup from being seriously injured.
Brighter Whiter
Sparkle-Up Your Holiday Season with a Radiant Smile
By Amy Morgan
What’s the first thing you notice in holiday pictures and posts? A radiant smile! And nothing signals good health and happiness than sparking white teeth. But sadly, our favorite foods and drinks (not to mention bad habits like smoking) can dull our dreams. Don’t fret - the professionals at 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics have answers to help you restore pearl to your whites just in time for the festive season.
Two types of discoloration can affect teeth. Internal stains caused by infection, trauma, certain medications or aging are tougher to eliminate but can be treated by a dental professional. External stains made by coffee, wine or tobacco are more common and can be removed in a variety of ways –both at home and at the dentist’s office.
Whitening toothpaste that contains a mild abrasive and hydrogen peroxide and/or carbamide peroxide can be very effective on surface stains and reach deep to whiten teeth. However, overuse may cause tooth sensitivity or even thin enamel, cautioned Dental Hygienist Jennifer Reyna, R.D.H. To counteract those unwelcome side effects, you can alternate using a whitening toothpaste with one that protects and strengthens enamel. Or brush with Sensodyne, or Colgate Sensitive toothpaste or use Listerine’s sensitivity-reducing mouthwash prior to whitening.
An in-office fluoride treatment can help remineralize tooth enamel and reduce sensitivity, she recommended.
Start early, Jennifer added, it might take up to six weeks for you to notice a difference in shade.
You also can use over-the-counter whitening strips or insert dental trays (similar to a mouthguard) filled with a gel bleaching agent. Results vary but might be visible in as little as two weeks.
If you really want to up the “Wow” factor or are
short on time, try a one-time whitening treatment in your dental office. 7to7 offers in-office whitening with the Colgate Optic White system. In just one hour, you’ll leave with teeth an average of seven times whiter, said Mandy Dennis, R.D.H., Director of Hygiene Operations at 7to7 Dental. A dental professional applies a 35% peroxide solution directly to the teeth, then places a small instrument in the mouth. The device’s blue light activates the product. Three 10-minute sessions over a 60-minute appointment are all that’s needed to see great results. “Patients love it!” Mandy said. Best of all, patients report no sensitivity with this type of inoffice whitening. The system must be administered by a trained dental professional, and 7to7 Dental is designated one of Colgate’s preferred providers.
It’s always best to kick off a whitening campaign with a professional cleaning and polishing at your dentist’s office. As an added bonus, 7to7 Dental’s patients enjoy a free whitening for life program, which includes trays molded to fit their teeth and a complimentary tube of 3% peroxide whitening gel with every visit to encourage continued oral health.
No treatment lasts forever. You can expect home remedies to fade after a few months, while results of in-office treatment can last up to three years. Whitening mouthwashes containing hydrogen peroxide won’t make much of a dramatic effect on their own, but they can prolong effects. Practice good oral hygiene to extend your results, and your smile will shine brightly through the holiday season.
Elite Example
Nationally Ranked Reagan Girls Golfer Helps Team Take Trophies
By Amy Morgan
Earning
a national position as a top-ranked youth golfer could count as a part-time job. Ronald Reagan High School senior Lydia Portlock estimates she spends 30 hours a week honing her skills. Her hard work has paid off. At the start of September, she was 80th in the nation on the Junior Golf Scoreboard and 24th among golfers in her 2025 cohort eligible for college teams. Ranking numbers become increasingly important in high school as they are a determining metric for college recruitment, Lydia said.
Her talent as a varsity starter helped Reagan take home the State trophy her freshman year, a National trophy sophomore year, and second place finishes in both arenas as a junior. Individually Lydia was named District runner-up and Regional runnerup her sophomore year and District Champion her junior year. Lydia’s been Top 10 in the State and first-team All-State and All-District for the past three years, as well as Academic All-District for three years. She also was named a THSCA Super Elite Athlete in 6A Girls Golf, an award voted on by Texas coaches that considers character as well as performance. To add academic icing to the athletic cake, Lydia’s ranked in the top 10% of her class at Reagan and takes a rigorous class load that includes GT English, perhaps inspired by her mother who teaches 5th grade at Wilderness Oak.
Other than golf tournaments with the team, Lydia’s favorite Reagan memory was seeing the solar eclipse with her fellow students in April 2024. “I volunteered with Key Club (a service organization that’s part of Kiwanis) to hand out the glasses. It got so dark but was over so quickly!” Lydia also appreciates her Reagan coaches.
“I feel really grateful for Coach Russell Aki and Coach Stephen Martinez,” she said. “They have been good guiding forces in my life.” Coach Aki is particularly adept at tailoring his coaching to each player’s personality. This summer Coach Aki was honored by NEISD as Coach of the Year.
While technically golf’s competition season is in the spring, in the fall Lydia will play a handful of tournaments with the Reagan team facing girls they’ll meet at State. She also plays a full Junior Elite schedule against the best peers in the country
outside of school, noting that she came in 3rd overall at the Arizona Silver Belle tournament in December 2023.
“My parents are really supportive,” she said. “Dad’s good about coming to lessons and encouraged me to work out. There are girls who don’t play as much of a competitive schedule – it’s really determined by what your parents are willing to sacrifice and pay for.”
Lydia started playing golf because she thought it looked “interesting and fun” and “wanted to learn how to swing a club” at 11, an age she said is later than many of her fellow competitors who first began at 6 or 7. She started lessons at Dead Solid Perfect Driving range in fifth grade and was playing tournaments by age 13. Soon all she wanted to do was play the sport. Golf tournaments never shut down during Covid, and Lydia started playing 18 holes competitively by 8th grade.
She joined the Club at Sonterra when it became apparent she needed a home course to develop her skills, although Reagan’s teams practice at Canyon Springs Golf Course.
Not surprisingly, Lydia aspires to play golf in college. She’s committed to playing for Yale after hopefully another Reagan championship season in spring 2025.
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