Global research trends in salvage robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a bibliometric and visualization analysis

Salvage robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (sRARP) is a potentially curative option for selected patients with locally recurrent prostate cancer after previous local therapy, yet the structure and evolution of this research field remain unclear. We performed a bibliometric and visualization analysis of English-language articles and reviews indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded edition of the Web of Science Core Collection through July 23, 2026. VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometrix/Biblioshiny were used to examine publication trends, collaboration networks, influential contributors, citation foundations, and thematic evolution. Seventy-three publications, including 60 articles and 13 reviews, were included. Research activity increased after 2016, with the United States, Italy, and the United Kingdom occupying prominent positions in international collaboration. Scientific output was concentrated within specialist robotic and uro-oncological centers. Author collaboration remained concentrated within several established research groups, with fewer links between the major teams. Burst-keyword patterns were interpreted as three partially overlapping phases: early investigation of post-radiotherapy salvage and technical feasibility; subsequent diversification toward "focal therapy," "robotic surgery," and alternative salvage pathways; and a recent emphasis on "functional outcome," "survival," patient selection, and "single institution" evidence. Overall, the field has progressed from demonstrating procedural feasibility toward evaluating patient-centered and longer-term clinical value. However, the continued prominence of "single institution" research and the concentration of output within expert centers may limit the generalizability of the evidence. Prospective multicenter collaboration, standardized outcome reporting, stratification by previous treatment, and broader geographical participation are needed to define the contemporary role of sRARP.