Global research trends in robot-assisted pyeloplasty: a bibliometric and visualization analysis.

Robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RAP), as a minimally invasive technique, is increasingly employed for treating ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), particularly in pediatric patients. A rapidly expanding body of literature explores its technical feasibility, clinical efficacy, and potential advantages over conventional surgical approaches. However, a comprehensive understanding of the global research landscape and evolving research focus in the RAP field remains limited. This study employs bibliometric and visualization analysis of publications retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) to describe publication trends, geographic and institutional contributions, collaborative networks, and thematic evolution in RAP research. Results demonstrate a steady increase in RAP-related publications since the late 20th century, reflecting sustained academic interest and clinical application. The United States emerges as a major contributor in publication output and international collaboration, followed by several European and Asian countries. High-frequency keyword analysis identified UPJO, pyeloplasty, robotic surgery, and pediatric urology as core research themes. Keyword outbreak analysis further reveals that research focus has shifted markedly from early system-oriented and experience-based studies toward outcome-oriented and evidence-based research, with recent attention turning to emerging technologies such as meta-analyses and single-port robotic surgery. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the knowledge structure and developmental trajectory of RAP research, offering valuable insights into current research hotspots and potential future directions. These findings may inform clinical practice and guide further research in this field.