Advanced Surgical Options Expand in Brazoria County

LAKE JACKSON, TX  (July 6, 2026) - St. Luke's Health is pleased to announce the arrival of Dr. Molly E. Russo, MD a highly skilled surgeon specializing in both general surgery and complex conditions affecting the liver, pancreas, and bile ducts – a field known as hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery. Dr. Russo will see patients at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Group – Lake Jackson and perform surgeries at St. Luke's Health – Brazosport Hospital, significantly expanding local access to advanced, minimally invasive surgical options.

Dr. Russo brings expertise in treating serious gastrointestinal issues, including pancreatic cancer, complicated gallbladder problems, and a wide array of other digestive conditions. Patients will benefit from her proficiency in both traditional open surgery and advanced robotic-assisted techniques, including minimally-invasive laparoscopic procedures. She is certified in Da Vinci Xi robotic equivalency, a technology that offers many advantages for patients and will soon be available at St. Luke’s Health - Brazosport Hospital.

"Advanced tools like robotic surgery often allow for smaller incisions, less pain, and a quicker return to everyday life,” said Dr. Russo. “It’s always rewarding to see patients recover with less discomfort and get back to their families and routines sooner.” She noted, however, that surgical options are just one component of overall patient well-being, advocating for a holistic approach to care. "It’s about understanding the whole person – their support system, their home life, their access to resources. These factors play such a vital role in a successful recovery,” she said. “I believe in partnering with my patients to ensure they have everything they need to prepare for and heal after their procedure." 

This philosophy of care began taking shape from an early age as she listened in on conversations between her physician parents and step-mother and visited the clinics and hospitals where they worked. “I always felt drawn to medicine, but my parents initially tried to steer me toward a less demanding career,” Dr. Russo said with a smile. After college, she found early success in banking, quickly rising in management roles. However, the desire to directly impact health and quality of life through surgery remained ever-present. It wasn’t long before she made the pivotal decision to return to school to pursue medicine and dedicate her life to patient care. Her passion for the field has only grown as she's walked with patients and their loved ones through complex medical journeys. This includes challenging conditions like pancreatic cancer and severe gallbladder diseases. “It’s deeply rewarding to see a patient thrive after treatment, knowing the journey we’ve been on together — that’s what makes this work so meaningful,”`` Dr. Russo shared.

Dr. Russo completed her Hepatopancreatobiliary/Complex GI Surgery Fellowship at AdventHealth Orlando in Florida, and her General Surgery Residency at WellSpan Health York Hospital in Pennsylvania. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from Drexel University College of Medicine and a Master of Biomedical Sciences from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Her undergraduate studies include a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language & Psychology from Moravian College.

“We are truly excited to have Dr. Russo join our team,” said Bob Trautman, President of St. Luke’s Health - Brazosport Hospital. “Her expertise allows us to continually innovate and advance local healthcare. Dr. Russo will be an invaluable asset to both our medical team and our community.”

Dr. Russo's services include:

• Open and robotic-assisted surgery

• Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery

• Bariatric surgery: gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy

She treats a wide range of conditions, including:

• Abdominal disease

• Appendicitis

• Colorectal disease

• Gallbladder disease

• Gastrointestinal disease

• Hernias

• Liver disease

• Oncologic concerns

• Skin and soft tissue conditions

• Thyroid disease