Robot-assisted surgery for colorectal cancer using Weigao versus da Vinci systems: a retrospective comparative study.

[BACKGROUND] Robotic surgery is a well-validated treatment option for colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Weigao (WG) robotic system compared with those of the da Vinci (DV) platform for the surgical resection of CRC.

[METHOD] We retrospectively analyzed patients with stage I-III CRC who underwent robotic CRC resection using the Weigao or da Vinci Surgical System. Statistical analysis of perioperative clinical data, including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters was conducted.

[RESULT] A total of 103 patients were included and divided into the WG (n = 65) and DV (n = 38) groups. All patients achieved surgical success, and there were no significant differences in preoperative baseline characteristics. However, the WG group demonstrated a significantly longer operative time. Patients in the WG group experienced a shorter time to first flatus and a low incidence of postoperative deep vein thrombosis. Notably, the total hospitalization cost was significantly lower when the Weigao Surgical System was used.

[CONCLUSION] This study demonstrated that the Weigao robotic system was comparable to the da Vinci system in terms of safety and efficacy for CRC surgery. Moreover, the total hospitalization cost was significantly reduced with the Weigao Surgical System, highlighting its potential as a cost-effective surgical option.