J Robot Surg. 2025 Dec 9;20(1):70. doi: 10.1007/s11701-025-03024-7.
ABSTRACT
In this study, we examined the global distribution and regional dynamics of telesurgery research across 94 countries. Data retrieved from Scopus (October 2025) included both articles and reviews. Forty-six countries produced more than five publications, while 48 contributed fewer (1-5 papers), revealing broad but uneven global participation. The United States (n = 620) and China (n = 399) were the most productive nations, together exceeding one thousand publications. Other major contributors included the United Kingdom (148), Italy (146), Japan (128), Germany (115), Canada (112), and France (110), reflecting dominance by technologically advanced countries. Mid-range outputs came from Spain (57), Australia (51), Brazil (37), Netherlands (36), and Iran (35), whereas smaller nations such as Chile, Croatia, Denmark, Ireland, Norway, and South Africa each published six papers. At the regional level, Europe (n = 681) and Asia (n = 567) accounted for over two-thirds of total output. Europe showed early and steady growth from the 1980s, while Asia expanded sharply after 2015, driven by China, Japan, and South Korea. Other regions-Middle East (n = 91), Australia & Oceania (n = 51), Latin America (n = 42), and Africa (n = 23)-showed modest but increasing engagement after 2020, reflecting disparities in technological and funding capacity. The United States maintained long-term leadership through three phases-initiation, consolidation, and expansion-whereas China experienced rapid growth after 2015. Overall, these findings highlight both the global rise and persistent regional inequality in telesurgery research, underscoring the dominance of high-income nations and the growing participation of emerging economies.
PMID:41364376 | DOI:10.1007/s11701-025-03024-7
