Unveiling Global Trends in Robot-Assisted Spleen-Related Surgery: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis

To systematically evaluate the global research landscape, knowledge structure, collaboration networks, research hotspots, and emerging trends of robot-assisted spleen-related surgery (RAS) through bibliometric analysis.

English-language original articles and reviews related to RAS were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, including the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI- Expanded) and Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), for the period from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2025. Bibliometric analyses and visualizations were performed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and BiblioVista to assess publication trends, citation patterns, collaboration networks, leading contributors, keyword co-occurrence, clustering, cocitation, and burst references.

A total of 130 publications were included. Annual output showed a fluctuating upward trend, especially after 2014, and peaked in 2023. Surgical Endoscopy was the most productive and influential journal. The United States led in publication output, Italy showed the strongest overall citation performance, and Yonsei University and its affiliated health system were leading institutions. Major themes included robotic surgery, laparoscopic splenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, minimally invasive surgery, partial splenectomy, spleen preservation, learning curve, complications, and perioperative outcomes. Hotspots evolved from early feasibility and safety assessment toward complex pancreaticosplenic procedures, functional preservation, perioperative optimization, and precision minimally invasive surgery.

RAS research has progressed from technical exploration toward complex, precision-oriented, and function-preserving applications. Future studies should strengthen multicenter collaboration and further evaluate long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and standardized surgical strategies.