Global research on robot-assisted prostatectomy: a bibliometric and visualization analysis.

With advances in robotic technology, robot-assisted prostatectomy (RAP) has become a key surgical approach for the management of prostate diseases. Compared with conventional open or laparoscopic procedures, RAP provides superior surgical precision, intraoperative stability, and postoperative functional recovery. To comprehensively characterize the global research landscape and trends in RAP, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of English-language publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from its inception to May 2025. Data were analyzed using Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace to evaluate publication trends, country and institutional distribution, author collaboration networks, leading journals, and keyword clusters. A total of 2753 publications were included in the analysis. Results showed a significant increase in publications since 2009, with a sharp rise after 2020. The United States led in both publication volume and academic influence, followed by Italy, South Korea, and Germany. Leading institutions included Yonsei University, the University of California, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Major studies were published in core journals such as Journal of Endourology, BJU International, European Urology, The Journal of Urology, and Journal of Robotic Surgery. Keyword analysis indicated that current research mainly focuses on robot-assisted surgery for prostate diseases, particularly robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), covering aspects such as surgical optimization, functional recovery, and biochemical recurrence. Robotic techniques have also expanded to benign prostatic hyperplasia, giving rise to robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP). In recent years, research has increasingly focused on refining robotic surgical techniques and evaluating multimodal outcomes. Meanwhile, studies exploring artificial intelligence (AI) have emerged, but their overall representation in the field remains limited. In conclusion, global RAP research has increasingly shifted toward precision and intelligence-driven robotic techniques, with RARP remaining the central focus. Future studies should further advance technical innovation, expand applications to benign prostatic diseases, and prioritize long-term functional and quality-of-life outcomes, providing guidance for future research directions and clinical practice improvements.