Global research trends in robot-assisted urethral reconstruction for urethral stricture disease: a visualized bibliometric analysis.

Robot-assisted urethral reconstruction has emerged as an important minimally invasive option for urethral stricture disease, particularly in complex, recurrent, or anatomically challenging cases. In reconstructive practice, the operative field is often deep and restricted, making exposure and precise suturing technically demanding. By providing stable three-dimensional visualization, enhanced dexterity, and improved intracorporeal suturing capability, robotic systems have expanded the feasibility of complex urethral reconstruction. However, despite growing clinical interest, the knowledge structure, research hotspots, and developmental trajectory of this field have not been systematically characterized. We therefore performed a bibliometric and visualized analysis of research on robot-assisted urethral reconstruction for urethral stricture disease. Publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection were retrieved from the Science Citation Index Expanded for the period from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2025. Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Scimago Graphica were used to evaluate publication trends, contributions by countries and institutions, author productivity and collaboration, journal distribution, highly cited references, and keyword dynamics. A total of 143 publications were included, comprising 109 original articles and 34 reviews. Overall publication output increased steadily, with a more pronounced rise in recent years. The United States remained the leading contributor in both productivity and citation impact, while China and several other countries showed growing participation, suggesting gradual international expansion beyond a limited number of early high-volume centers. Research activity was concentrated in a small group of influential institutions, particularly New York University and NYU Langone Medical Center. The most productive journals were Urology, Translational Andrology and Urology, and Journal of Endourology, whereas The Journal of Urology, Urology, and European Urology showed strong citation influence, indicating that the field is expanding within specialized reconstructive practice while still drawing heavily on established urologic knowledge platforms. Keyword co-occurrence, clustering, burst detection, and timeline analyses revealed a distinctly reconstruction-oriented research profile. Major hotspots included urethral stricture, urethroplasty, reconstruction, and management, with sustained attention to buccal mucosa grafting, vesicourethral anastomosis, complications, and postoperative recovery. Temporal evolution suggested a clear shift from early emphasis on technical feasibility and initial experience toward refined reconstructive strategies, graft-based approaches, and outcome-oriented evaluation. This transition indicates that the field is moving from proof-of-concept adoption toward procedural optimization and more standardized assessment of clinical benefit. In summary, research on robot-assisted urethral reconstruction for urethral stricture disease is expanding globally and progressing toward a more reconstruction-centered and outcomes-focused stage. By clarifying who is driving knowledge production, which themes dominate current research, and where major evidence gaps remain, the present study provides a practical reference for future research prioritization, multicenter collaboration, and the generation of more standardized clinical evidence in robot-assisted urethral reconstruction.