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<p>Research on nerve-sparing and functional recovery after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for prostate cancer (PCa) has expanded substantially over the past two decades. However, the global knowledge structure, major contributors, and thematic evolution of this subfield have not yet been systematically characterised. This study aimed to perform a bibliometric and visualisation analysis of global research on nerve-sparing and functional recovery after RARP for PCa. Publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database, with the search period restricted from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2025. Only English-language articles and reviews were included. Bibliometric analyses were conducted using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Bibliometrix, and Scimago Graphica. Annual publication trends, contributions from countries, institutions, authors, and journals, as well as co-authorship, co-citation, keyword co-occurrence, burst detection, and thematic evolution were systematically evaluated. A total of 817 publications were included, comprising 670 original articles and 147 review articles. Annual output showed a steady increase, with more rapid growth after 2018 and a peak in 2025. The United States was the leading contributor in publication volume, citation impact, and international collaboration, while Italy and China also demonstrated substantial academic influence. The most productive institutions included the University of London and Cornell University. Patel VR, Menon M, and Porpiglia F were among the most productive authors, and the author collaboration network was highly interconnected. The most active journals were BJU International and Journal of Robotic Surgery, whereas European Urology showed the greatest local citation influence. Keyword and clustering analyses indicated that the major research hotspots were continence recovery, erectile dysfunction, cancer control, robotic platform refinement, and complex-case management. Thematic evolution showed a shift from early technical feasibility and comparison with conventional surgery toward anatomically refined, precision-oriented, and patient-centred functional preservation. Research on nerve-sparing and functional recovery after RARP for PCa has developed into a mature and globally active field. Current hotspots focus on urinary continence, sexual function, oncological safety, and individualised surgical strategies. Emerging themes related to advanced robotic platforms, anatomical precision, and data-informed decision-making suggest that future research will continue to move toward precision functional surgery and more standardised evaluation of postoperative outcomes.</p>

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Global research trends and thematic evolution of nerve-sparing and functional recovery after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer: a bibliometric and visualisation analysis

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月22日

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  • Zeming Qiu,
  • Xueyan Xia,
  • Xiancheng Li

摘要

Research on nerve-sparing and functional recovery after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for prostate cancer (PCa) has expanded substantially over the past two decades. However, the global knowledge structure, major contributors, and thematic evolution of this subfield have not yet been systematically characterised. This study aimed to perform a bibliometric and visualisation analysis of global research on nerve-sparing and functional recovery after RARP for PCa. Publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database, with the search period restricted from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2025. Only English-language articles and reviews were included. Bibliometric analyses were conducted using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Bibliometrix, and Scimago Graphica. Annual publication trends, contributions from countries, institutions, authors, and journals, as well as co-authorship, co-citation, keyword co-occurrence, burst detection, and thematic evolution were systematically evaluated. A total of 817 publications were included, comprising 670 original articles and 147 review articles. Annual output showed a steady increase, with more rapid growth after 2018 and a peak in 2025. The United States was the leading contributor in publication volume, citation impact, and international collaboration, while Italy and China also demonstrated substantial academic influence. The most productive institutions included the University of London and Cornell University. Patel VR, Menon M, and Porpiglia F were among the most productive authors, and the author collaboration network was highly interconnected. The most active journals were BJU International and Journal of Robotic Surgery, whereas European Urology showed the greatest local citation influence. Keyword and clustering analyses indicated that the major research hotspots were continence recovery, erectile dysfunction, cancer control, robotic platform refinement, and complex-case management. Thematic evolution showed a shift from early technical feasibility and comparison with conventional surgery toward anatomically refined, precision-oriented, and patient-centred functional preservation. Research on nerve-sparing and functional recovery after RARP for PCa has developed into a mature and globally active field. Current hotspots focus on urinary continence, sexual function, oncological safety, and individualised surgical strategies. Emerging themes related to advanced robotic platforms, anatomical precision, and data-informed decision-making suggest that future research will continue to move toward precision functional surgery and more standardised evaluation of postoperative outcomes.