Pelvic lymph node dissection during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a bibliometric analysis of surgical extent, nodal staging, and lymphatic morbidity.

Authors

Yu Zhao, Wenyun Wang, Zhilong Dong

Published in

Journal of robotic surgery. Volume 20. Issue 1. Aug 03, 2026. Epub Aug 03, 2026.

Abstract

Pelvic lymph-node dissection (PLND) during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is important for nodal staging, but its optimal extent, morbidity profile, and integration with precision-guided techniques remain unsettled. This study mapped the knowledge structure and thematic evolution of RARP-associated PLND research. A single-database search of the Web of Science Core Collection was performed for English-language articles and reviews formally published through 2025. Two reviewers independently screened records directly evaluating PLND, nodal staging, lymphatic morbidity, or related preventive and guidance strategies during RARP according to predefined eligibility criteria. Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Scimago Graphica were used to assess publication trends, collaboration patterns, citation structure, and keyword evolution. The final dataset comprised 225 eligible records, including 208 original research articles and 17 review articles published during 2006-2025. Output increased markedly after 2019 and peaked at 27 publications in 2024. The United States received the most citations, whereas the Netherlands Cancer Institute was the most productive institution. van der Poel H.G. was the most productive author. The knowledge base initially focused on PLND templates, anatomical extent, and lymph-node yield, then expanded toward risk-adapted nodal staging, oncologic implications, lymphatic morbidity, and precision-guided nodal assessment. Keyword analysis identified eight thematic clusters and showed recent attention to peritoneal flap and fixation strategies, node-positive disease, and image- or radioguided nodal approaches. This bibliometric analysis characterizes a shift in RARP-associated PLND research from surgical extent and staging yield toward individualized selection, morbidity reduction, and precision-guided nodal strategies. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify how preventive reconstruction and targeted nodal techniques should be integrated with anatomically defined extended PLND.

PMID:
42545410
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 03 Aug 2026.

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