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Global trends in robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS): a bibliometric analysis (2000-2024).
Yuhan Chen1,2, Shasha Chen1, Ying Liu1
1Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 West Huangpu Road, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
Updates in Surgery
|June 9, 2026
Summary
Robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery (RALS) research has grown significantly, with the U.S. leading. Future directions include AI integration and addressing global access challenges for equitable outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Technology
- Surgical Innovation
- Bibliometrics
Background:
- Robotic systems enhance precision, reduce pain, and accelerate recovery in minimally invasive surgery.
- The field of Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery (RALS) has seen exponential growth.
- Understanding publication trends and research landscapes is crucial for guiding future development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze publication trends, leading contributors, research hotspots, and influential literature in RALS.
- To identify current trends and explore future research directions in RALS.
- To provide a comprehensive bibliometric overview of RALS research from 2000 to 2024.
Main Methods:
- Bibliometric analysis of publications from January 2000 to September 2024 using Web of Science data.
- Analysis of publication counts, citation metrics, international collaborations, and keyword co-occurrence.
- Network structure assessment using modularity Q and silhouette S metrics.
Main Results:
- Substantial growth in RALS publications, from under 10 annually in the early 2000s to over 300 by 2022.
- The U.S. leads in RALS output and collaboration, with Johns Hopkins and Mayo Clinic as key institutions.
- Key themes include "robotic surgery" and "laparoscopy," with emerging focus on advanced techniques and AI integration.
Conclusions:
- RALS research demonstrates significant growth, but challenges in global access persist.
- International collaboration and AI integration are vital for advancing RALS.
- Further research on cost-effectiveness, outcomes, and training is needed for equitable global access to RALS.
