Embracing innovation in women's health: Robotic surgery and beyond
From left to right: Drs. Amanda Holthouse, Daniel Hersh and Susana Gonzalez
In the heart of Napa Valley, the Providence Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology team practicing at Queen of the Valley Medical Center stands out as a unique and comprehensive medical practice. Here, innovative technology meets the comfort of local care, providing patients with state-of-the-art, minimally invasive treatments close to home.
Whether it’s welcoming a new baby or taking care of women’s health, their obstetrics and gynecology services are tailored to every stage of a woman’s life. What’s more, their practice is woven into the fabric of the community, as the majority of physicians both live and work in Napa Valley. This deep-rooted local presence means they’re not just health care providers; they are neighbors who are invested in caring for their community.
High tech is high touch
For over 20 years, Queen of the Valley has been at the forefront of bringing innovative health care to Napa Valley. The Queen is the only medical facility in the area where doctors use a robotic system, known as da Vinci, to perform surgeries such as hysterectomies and to address other issues including endometriosis and fibroids.
Da Vinci functions as an extension of the surgeon’s hands, allowing them to operate with extreme precision through tiny incisions. Robotic surgery offers many advantages for patients. As opposed to traditional “open surgery,” robotic procedures are much less invasive, which means patients recover faster.
For example, the da Vinci system is so precise that it significantly reduces the amount of blood lost during surgeries. “To put it in perspective, traditional surgeries might result in half a liter of blood loss, but with robotic surgery, it’s more like a tablespoon. That’s a big deal, especially for patients who might have severe anemia,” says Dr. Gonzalez. 
“It’s the level of experience in robotic surgery available at Queen of the Valley that really sets us apart,” says Dr. Scarborough. “After 20 years of using robotics, our surgeons are some of the most seasoned experts in the region. This depth of experience ensures that patients are getting superior care. It’s modern medicine at its best, all available locally.”
We deliver babies too!
Every day the Queen’s skilled physicians help to bring precious newborns into the world in a secure and supportive environment.
“As the only hospital in Napa County with a labor and delivery unit, the Queen continuously evolves to offer patients ways to make their birth and postpartum experience affirming and special,” says Dr. Booker.
The labor and delivery team is committed to helping patients have natural (vaginal) deliveries whenever possible and offers movement techniques for expectant moms to help them position their babies in preparation for vaginal births. Alternative options for pain relief, such as nitrous oxide, is available as well.
Care for a lifetime
Building a lasting relationship with a gynecologist can make a world of difference through every phase of life. The Napa team is always ready to lend an ear, offer support and walk patients through their care options.
For women ages 20 to 50, regular visits are key to managing everything from pregnancy to preventative screenings like pap smears and breast exams, and even early discussions about perimenopause.
As women approach age 50 and beyond, transitioning into menopause doesn’t have to be a struggle. The Napa team helps patients manage menopausal symptoms, and continues important screenings for osteoporosis, breast and cervical cancers.
Patients over 65 should still be getting their annual well woman exams. Regular check-ups ensure symptoms and health concerns are addressed and that potential issues like uterine cancer are caught early.
“Part of my role is to remind women that self-care is never selfish and by putting themselves first they can be there for the ones they love,” says Dr. Holthouse. “Remember, wellness is not just making sure you don’t have a heart attack or a stroke, it’s also about having a good quality of life.”
Learn more about Providence Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology at providence.org
About Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center
The largest health care facility and one of the largest employers in Napa County, Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center is a nonprofit 208-bed acute care facility located in the city of Napa. Queen of the Valley is dedicated to bringing Napa Valley residents the best care possible, close to home.
