Mapping the global landscape of robot-assisted upper urinary tract reconstruction: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis.

Abstract

Background: Robot-assisted surgery has increasingly been applied to upper urinary tract reconstruction, offering technical advantages in selected complex cases. This bibliometric study aims to map the global research landscape, identify key contributors, and analyze emerging trends in robot-assisted upper urinary tract reconstruction.

Methods: Publications related to robotic upper urinary tract reconstruction were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Bibliometric analysis was performed using R to evaluate publication trends, countries, institutions, authors, journals, and keywords.

Results: A total of 1,104 publications on robotic upper urinary tract reconstruction published were included. Research output increased steadily, with rapid growth after 2020. The United States led in publications and collaboration, followed by China. The University of Chicago, New York University, and Peking University were the most productive institutions, and Journal of Endourology was the leading journal. Highly cited studies mainly focused on robotic pyeloplasty and ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Core topics included pyeloplasty, robotic surgery, pediatric reconstruction, and ureteral reimplantation. Recent trends show a shift toward complex ureteral reconstruction, with ureteroplasty, ureteral stricture, graft-based reconstruction, and single-port robotic surgery as emerging hotspots.

Conclusions: Research on robotic upper urinary tract reconstruction has expanded rapidly, driven by a few leading countries and institutions. The focus has shifted from pyeloplasty and pediatric cases to more complex ureteral reconstruction. Emerging areas such as ureteroplasty, graft-based techniques, and single-port surgery are expected to shape future developments.