Meet Dr. Vincenzo Sabella, MD, FACOG
Board-Certified ObGyn in San Antonio, TX
Board-certified OB/GYN physician Vincenzo Sabella of San Antonio, Texas, has more than 30 years’ experience caring for and treating women for health care issues of all kinds. He specializes in obstetrics, gynecological care, gynecological surgery (including minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery), infertility, and hormone replacement therapy.
Dr. Sabella is a pioneer in robotic surgery for multiple female pelvic issues, including reconstruction.
Born in California, Dr. Sabella went on to earn his medical degree from the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon in Monterrey, Mexico, in 1981. That is where he also completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology in 1986.
He then moved to San Antonio, Texas, for a research fellowship in reproductive biology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He completed a second residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas in 1991.
He received his board certification from the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and he is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Dr. Sabella has held numerous medical and academic appointments, including as chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital and Director of Gynecology Special Procedures at the University of Texas Health Science Center hospital, where he taught obstetrics and gynecology to medical residents.
He is fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian.
Awards
Dr. Vincenzo Sabella has received numerous awards over the course of his medical career, including the following honors:
- National advisor (2001-2006)
American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) - Top 10% of peer reviewers (1998, 2000, 2001)
Obstetrics and Gynecology Journal - Excellence in teaching in gynecology award (1999)
OB/GYN Class of 1999, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio - National faculty award for excellence in resident education (1998)
Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology - Teaching excellence in hysteroscopy award (1993)
Hospital Universitario, U.A.N.L., Monterrey, NL, Mexico - Teaching excellence in laparoscopy award (1992)
Hospital Universitario, U.A.N.L., Monterrey, NL, Mexico - Contribution to continuous medical education as a visiting professor (1992)
Hospital Conchita, Monterrey, NL, Mexico - Excellence in Laparoscopy Award (1991)
American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists - Outstanding Community Social Service merit letters (1980, 1981)
State of Nuevo Leon Health Department, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
Professional Memberships
Dr. Vincenzo Sabella belongs to the following professional organizations:
- American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
- International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy
- International College of Surgeons
- Bexar County Medical Society
- Texas Medical Association
Publications and Presentations
Dr. Vincenzo Sabella has been published in a wide range of professional journals, books, papers, and other materials, including:
Papers:
- Kaplan CR, Olive DL, Sabella V, Asch RH, Balmaceda JP, Riehl RM, Groff TR, Burns WN, and Schenken RS: Gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT) vs. super-ovulation with intrauterine insemination for the treatment of infertility. J. In Vitro Fert.. Embryo Transf. 6:298-304, 1989.
- Olive DL, Sabella V, Riehl RM, Schenken RS, and Moreno A: Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists attenuate estrogen/progesterone-induced hyper-prolactinemia in monkeys. Fertil. Steril. 51:1040-1045, 1989.
- Arredondo F, Sabella V, Garza JG, and Valente PT: Placenta Increta en el Primer Trimestre del Embarazo. Presentacion de un Caso. Ginecologia y Obstetricia de Mexico. Vol. 63: 279-81, 1995.
- Sabella V, Chang P, and Eddy C: A Technique for Laparoscopic Completion of Vaginal Hysterectomy. Obstet. Gynecol. Vol. 87: 465-67, 1996.
- Fine BA, Feinstein GI, and Sabella V: The Pre- and Post-operative Value of Endo-cervical Curettage in Detection of Cervical Intra-Epithelial Neoplasia and Invasive Cervical Cancer. Gynecol. Oncol.
- Sabella V: Minimally Invasive Procedures in Gynecology. San Antonio Medicine. Vol. 56, No. 2, Feb. 2003.
Chapters:
- Sabella V and Funk M: Topographic Anatomy Relevant to Laparoscopic Surgery. In: Gynecologic Laparoscpic Surgery. George Kallipolitis, M.D. (Editor). Athens, Greece, 2001.
Abstracts, Posters, and Presentations:
- Sabella V: Management and Outcome of 121 Ectopic Pregnancies Managed by Laparoscopy at UTHSCSA. Presented at the International Congress of Laparoscopic Surgeons. Ixtapa, Mexico. 22 May, 1993.
- Sabella V: Abnormal Findings and Complication Rates of Different Types of Laparoscopic Tubal Sterilization among Different Levels of Surgeon’s Training in an Academic Teaching Institution. Presented at the World Congress of Gynaecologic Endoscopy. Jerusalem, Israel. 2 March, 1995.
- Sabella V: Laparoscopic Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy: Review of 121 Cases. Presented at the XVII International Chapter Reunion of the American College of Surgeons. Monterrey, Mexico. 16 April, 1994.
- Sabella V: Comparison of Complication Rates of Different Types of Laparoscopic Tubal Sterilization among Different Levels of Surgeon’s Training in an Academic Institution. Presented at the World Congress of Gynaecologic Endoscopy. Jerusalem, Israel. 2 March, 1995.
- Sabella V: Incidence of Concomitant Pelvic Pathology Found at the Time of Laparoscopic Tubal Sterilization in Asymptomatic Patients. Presented at the World Congress of Gynaecologic Endoscopy. Jerusalem, Israel. 2 March, 1995.
- Sabella V and Saidi M: Laparoscopic Extra-peritoneal Colpo-suspension for Urinary Incontinence. Presented at the International Congress of Gynecologic Endoscopy. Chicago, Illinois. 28 September, 1996.
- Saidi M and Sabella V: Laparoscopic Extra-peritoneal Colpo-suspension for Urinary Incontinence. Presented at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), district VII meeting. New Orleans, Louisiana. 15 November, 1996.
- Saidi M, Diaz KC, and Sabella V: Burch versus Laparoscopic Extra-peritoneal Colposuspension for the Treatment of Genuine Stress Urinary Incontinence. Presented at the 45th Annual Clinical Meeting of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Las Vegas, Nevada. 29 April, 1997.
- Sabella V and Chang P: Laparoscopic Completion of a Hysterectomy Started Vaginally. Presented at the World Congress of Gynaecologic Endoscopy. Rome, Italy. 18 June, 1997.
- Sabella V: Evaluating Intra-operative Complications of Laparoscopic Sterilization in a Teaching Program. Presented at the World Congress of Gynaecologic Endoscopy. Rome, Italy. 18 June, 1997.
- Saidi M, Sabella V, and Diaz KC: Burch versus Laparoscopic Extra-peritoneal Colpo-suspension for Genuine Stress Urinary Incontinence. Presented at the World Congress of Gynaecologic Endoscopy. Rome, Italy. 18 June, 1997.
- Saidi M and Sabella V: Laparoscopic Extra-peritoneal Colpo-suspension for Genuine Stress Urinary Incontinence. Presented at the World Congress of Gynaecologic Endoscopy. Rome, Italy. 18 June, 1997.
- Sabella V, Sarsotti C, and Testa R: Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy: What is the limit? Presented at the World Congress of Gynaecologic Endoscopy. Rome, Italy. 18 June, 1997.
- Sabella V: Use of Micro-Laparoscopy as Surgical Approach to Perform a Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy. Presented at the 26th Annual Global Congress of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. Seattle, Washington. 23 September, 1997.
- Sabella V: Laparoscopic Completion of a Hysterectomy Started Vaginally. Presented at the 26th Annual Global Congress of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. Seattle, Washington. 23 September, 1997.
- Sabella V: Illumination Endoscopic Cannula: Light Enhancement System for Micro-Laparoscopy. Presented at the 26th Annual Global Congress of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. 23 September, 1997.
- Sabella V, Schenken RS, and Harden M: Laparoscopic Management of the Congenital Absence of the Uterine Cervix. Presented at the 26th Annual Global Congress of the American Association of Laparoscopic Gynecologists. Seattle, Washington. 23 September, 1997.
- Sabella V and York HL: Evaluating the Route of Hysterectomy in Obese Patients. Presented at the 28th Global Congress of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. Las Vegas, Nevada. 8 November, 1999.
- Sabella V: Micro-Laparoscopia. Presented at the 1st Symposium of Gynecologic Endoscopy, Evidence-Based Medicine. Monterrey, Mexico. 19 February, 2000.
- Sabella V: Histerectomia Vaginal Asistida por Laparoscopia en Pacientes Obesas. Presented at the 1st Symposium of Gynecologic Endoscopy, Evidence-Based Medicine. Monterrey, Mexico. 19 February, 2000.
- Sabella V: Sacro-Colpopexia por Laparoscopia. Presented at the 1st Symposium of Gynecologic Endoscopy, Evidence-Based Medicine. Monterrey, Mexico. 19 February, 2000.
- Sabella V: Laparoscopic Culdoplasty and Sacral Colpopexy with a Cylindrical Graft. Presented at the 37th Congress of the International College of Surgeons and the joint Annual Sessions of the United States, Mexican, and Canadian Sections. Orlando, Florida. 5 July, 2001.
- Sabella V: Laparoscopic Sacral Colpopexy: Pearls and Pitfalls. Presented at the 33rd Global Congress of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. San Francisco, California. 11 November, 2004.
- Sabella V: Complications of Laparoscopic Sacral Colpopexy. Presented at the 33rd Global Congress of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. San Francisco, California. 12 November, 2004.
- Sabella V: Robotic Assisted Surgery for Gynecologic Procedures. I Congreso Internacional de Cirugia Robotica Asistida. OCA Hospital. Monterrey, Mexico. 20 January, 2006.
Participation as Faculty in Congresses, Courses, and Seminars:
- Gynecologic Endoscopy Seminar of the Sociedad de Ginecologia y Obstetricia de Nuevo Laredo A.C., Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. 18 March, 1992.
- Basic Course of Laparoscopic Surgery, Hospital de Especialidades. Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. 26 April, 1992.
- Operative Gynecologic Laparoscopy Course. Hospital Clinica y Maternidad Conchita. Monterrey, Mexico. 1 August, 1992.
- First Advanced Course of Operative Laparoscopy for the Gynecologic Surgeon. University Hospital, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon. Monterrey, Mexico. 10 October, 1992.
- Advanced Laparoscopy for the Gynecologist. Memorial Medical Center. Las Cruces, New Mexico. 12 December, 1992.
- First Advanced Course of Operative Hysteroscopy. University Hospital, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon. Monterrey, Mexico. 25 June, 1993.
- 3eme Workshop International D’Hysteroscopie et Laparoscopie Operatoires Gynecologiques. Lugano, Switzerland. 16-18 September, 1993.
- Operative Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy “Hands-on” Seminar. Mitera Hospital. Athens, Greece. 13-20 May, 1994.
- Course of Laparoscopic Surgery. Hospital Italiano. Buenos Aires, Argentina. 28 November to 2 December, 1994.
- Course on Minimally Invasive Surgery. Hospital Italiano. Buenos Aires, Argentina. 16-19 September, 1996.
- Laparoscopic Completion of a Vaginal Hysterecomy. 15th Annual Gynecological Surgery Seminar, UT. Memphis, Tennessee. 1 November, 1996.
- The “Shocking” Truth about Electro-Surgery. 15th Annual Gynecological Surgery Seminar, UT. Memphis, Tennessee. 2 November, 1996.
- Indications and Techniques of Mini-Laparoscopy. Advanced Gynecologic Endoscopy and Pelvic Surgery. San Antonio Gynecologic Endoscopy Facility at UTHSCSA. San Antonio, Texas. 11 October, 1997.
- Family Planning Issues: Cultural and Medical Considerations for Hispanic Patients. School of Nursing, UTHSCSA. San Antonio, Texas. 12 November, 1997.
- Laparoscopic Assisted Hysterectomy for the Large Uterus. Laparoscopy Seminar. Mitera Hospital. Athens, Greece. 24 September, 1998.
- Laparoscopic Management of Vault Prolapse and Pelvic Floor Defects. Laparoscopy Seminar. Mitera Hospital. Athens, Greece. 24 September, 1998.
- Controversies in the Surgical Treatment of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Symposium on update of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast and Ovarian Cancers. Hospital San Jose and “Ignacio Santos” Medical School. Monterrey, Mexico. 20 March, 1999.
- Surgical Management of Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors. Symposium on update of Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast and Ovarian Cancers. Hospital San Jose and “Ignacio Santos” Medical School. Monterrey, Mexico. 20 March, 1999.
- Faculty. Female Reproductive Lab for the Advanced Clinical Evaluation Skills Course. Department of OB/GYN, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. San Antonio, Texas. 1 March, 2000.
- Faculty. 2nd Annual Meeting for Gynecologists from the Inner Country. Hospital Italiano. Buenos Aires, Argentina. 19-22 November, 2000.
- Faculty and Moderator. Global Congress of Gynecologic Endoscopy. 30th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. San Francisco, California. 16-19 November, 2001.
- Faculty and Moderator. Global Congress of Gynecologic Endoscopy. 31st Annual Meeting of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. Miami, Florida. November, 2002.
- Faculty and Moderator. Global Congress of Gynecologic Endoscopy. 32nd Annual Meeting of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. Las Vegas, Nevada. November, 2003.
- Faculty and Moderator. Global Congress of Gynecologic Endoscopy. 33rd Annual Meeting of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. San Francisco, California. 10-14 November, 2004.
- Faculty and Moderator. Global Congress of Gynecologic Endoscopy. 34th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. Chicago, Illinois. November, 2005.
- Faculty. I Congreso Internacional de Cirugia Robotica Asistida. OCA Hospital. Monterrey, Mexico. 20 January, 2006.
Videos Produced:
(Available at the Briscoe Library of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.)
- Illuminating endoscopic cannula: light enhancement for micro-laparoscopy
- Laparoscopic completion of a hysterectomy started vaginally
- Laparoscopic culdoplasty and sacral colpopexy with a cylindrical graft
- Laparoscopic extra-peritoneal colpo-suspension
- Laparoscopic management of tubal pregnancies
- Laparoscopic sacral colpopexy using a Microvel® vascular graft
- Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy
- Laparoscopic tubal sterilization
- Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy
- Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy: what is the limit?
(co-produced with Drs. Roberto Testa and Carlos Sarsotti from Buenos Aires, Argentina) - Robotic-assisted burch cysto-urethropexy for stress urinary incontinence
- Robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy
- Robotic-assisted laparoscopic supra-cervical hysterectomy
- Robotic-assisted sacral colpopexy
- Total laparoscopic hysterectomy in the congenital absence of the uterine cervix
- Total laparoscopic hysterectomy with a pneumo-peritoneum occlusion device
- Use of micro-laparoscopy as surgical approach to perform a laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy
Research Interests
Dr. Vincenzo Sabella’s current research interests include:
- Laparoscopic Approach for Pelvic Floor Support Procedures
- Maintenance of Pneumo-peritoneum for Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
- Management of Nausea and Vomiting after Laparoscopic Surgery
- Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopy for Gynecologic Procedures
- Value of Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy
Media Interviews with Dr. Sabella
Considered a pioneer in robotic surgery, Dr. Sabella conducts procedures not commonly performed by other doctors in San Antonio. Watch these local media interviews with Dr. Sabella in which he discusses the benefits of robotic surgery:
Dr. Vincenzo Sabella interview, KENS-TV, CBS, San Antonio, Texas (Oct. 9, 2009):
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Dr. Vincenzo Sabella interview, San Antonio Living, NBC:
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Dr. Vincenzo Sabella interview, San Antonio Living, NBC:
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Want to know more about obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Vincenzo Sabella or the women’s medical care he provides, including robotic-assisted surgery? Schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Sabella by calling (210) 614-1000 or use our convenient online appointment request form.
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