Robotic gastrointestinal surgery using the Weigao surgical robot system: a single-center prospective analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Weigao surgical robot system (WG-NST600S) was successfully developed in China. In this study, we presented our single-center experience and the short-term outcomes of gastrointestinal surgeries performed using the WG-NST600S system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 2024 and February 2025, consecutive gastrointestinal surgeries were performed using the WG-NST600S system at the participating institution. Clinical characteristics, as well as surgical and short-term postoperative outcomes, were prospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred and six patients were enrolled in the study. Of these, 9 underwent radical gastrectomy, 16 partial gastrectomy, 58 radical resections for rectal cancer, 7 sigmoidectomy, 5 left hemicolectomy, and 11 right hemicolectomy. The median operative times were as follows: 278 min for radical gastrectomy, 137 min for partial gastrectomy, 245.5 min for radical resection of rectal cancer, 242 min for sigmoidectomy, 290 min for left hemicolectomy, and 311 min for right hemicolectomy. The blood loss was 20 mL for radical gastrectomy, 10 mL for partial gastrectomy, 20 mL for radical resection of rectal cancer, 20 mL for sigmoidectomy, 25 mL for left hemicolectomy, and 20 mL for right hemicolectomy. Postoperative complications were 22.22% for radical gastrectomy, 6.25% for partial gastrectomy, 18.97% for radical resection of rectal cancer, 42.86% for sigmoidectomy, 0% for left hemicolectomy, and 27.27% for right hemicolectomy. All procedures were successfully completed without conversion to open surgery or other unplanned interventions. CONCLUSION: Based on our single-center experience, the WG-NST600S system is a feasible, safe, and effective option for most gastrointestinal surgeries.