A visual exploration of the evolutionary trajectory in robotic surgery for gastrointestinal malignancies

Robotic surgery has emerged as a key minimally invasive approach for gastrointestinal malignancies, stimulating substantial global research activity. This study employed bibliometric and visual methods to map the knowledge structure, evolutionary trajectory, research hotspots, and emerging trends in this field. We systematically retrieved relevant publications in this field from the Web of Science Core Collection over the past decade and conducted a visualization analysis. The findings delineate four major research hotspots in this field, including comparative effectiveness research against laparoscopy, technical refinement and standardization, perioperative outcome optimization, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning. The field's focus has evolved from initial feasibility studies toward recent investigations involving AI, deep learning, risk prediction, enhanced recovery after surgery, and multidisciplinary integration. The comprehensive integration of AI and deep learning, particularly through predictive modeling and intraoperative navigation, represents a key direction for future research. This study provides valuable guidance and insights for shaping future research agendas and refining clinical practice in this rapidly advancing field.