Research trends and collaboration patterns in robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer

Robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) has become an increasingly used minimally invasive approach in the treatment of testicular cancer. However, the publication trends and scientific structure of the literature in this field have not been fully evaluated. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the global literature on robotic RPLND in testicular cancer using bibliometric methods. A total of 93 publications published between 2006 and 2025 were included in the analysis. Bibliometric analyses were performed using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer. Publication trends, citation data, leading journals and institutions, international collaborations, co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence, and bibliographic coupling patterns were examined. Annual publication output generally increased over time, with the highest number of publications reported in 2021 and 2025 (n = 13 each). Journal of Robotic Surgery was the most productive journal with 13 publications, followed by World Journal of Urology with 12 publications. Johns Hopkins University was identified as the leading institution. The United States ranked first in terms of publication number, citation impact, and international collaboration. Keyword analysis showed that the literature mainly focused on robotic surgery, minimally invasive surgery, post-chemotherapy disease, and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors. In conclusion, publications related to robotic RPLND in testicular cancer have increased over time. The literature is largely generated by a limited number of specialized centers and mainly focuses on minimally invasive surgical approaches and perioperative outcomes. This bibliometric analysis provides an overview of publication trends, collaboration patterns, and major research themes within the robotic RPLND literature.