Global research trends in robotic surgery for rectal cancer: a bibliometric and science-mapping analysis

Robotic-assisted surgery has become an important modality in minimally invasive rectal cancer management because of its enhanced dexterity, three-dimensional visualization, and technical advantages in confined pelvic surgery. As the volume of research in this area continues to expand, a structured understanding of its scientific development is needed. This study aimed to map the global research landscape of robotic surgery in rectal tumor and rectal cancer through a bibliometric analysis of the published literature. A comprehensive search of Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and MEDLINE was performed, and records were screened using a PRISMA-guided selection process. The final dataset comprised 1,196 documents published between 2017 and 2026, including 1,168 journal articles and 28 conference/proceedings papers. Bibliometric performance indicators, citation analysis, and science-mapping approaches were applied using R (Bibliometrix/Biblioshiny) and VOSviewer to evaluate publication growth, influential sources, geographic and collaborative patterns, and thematic development. The results showed sustained growth over the study period, with the literature entering a more mature phase. The literature was concentrated in a limited number of core journals, led by Journal of Robotic Surgery, Surgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques, and Techniques in Coloproctology. The United States, Japan, and China were among the most productive countries, while thematic analyses showed a progression from early feasibility- and comparison-oriented research toward more specialized themes involving operative performance, postoperative outcomes, and oncologic quality. Overall, the field has developed into a mature and structured research domain with a strong clinical and outcome-driven focus. These findings provide a comprehensive overview of the intellectual, conceptual, and collaborative structure of robotic rectal surgery research and may help guide future investigation and international research cooperation.