Global Trends in Minimally Invasive Surgery: A Systematic Review

Background: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has revolutionized modern surgical practice by offering reduced trauma, faster recovery, and improved clinical outcomes. Over the past two decades, the global research landscape in MIS has expanded significantly across various disciplines, particularly in spinal surgery. This study aims to systematically review global trends, research hotspots, and leading contributors in the field of MIS. Methods: A systematic literature search was done on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for publications between 2000 and 2024. Only original articles, peer-reviewed bibliometric analyses, and systematic reviews concerning MIS were incorporated. Data regarding publication trends, keyword frequencies, highest cited articles, and top countries and institutions were extracted and synthesized. Results: There was a significantly increased number of MIS publications worldwide, with a sharp acceleration after 2015. China, the United States, and South Korea were the leading contributors. Keyword analysis demonstrated changing research interests, from fundamental endoscopic techniques to high-level approaches with robotics and artificial intelligence. Endoscopic discectomy and biportal endoscopy were among the most studied procedures. The most referenced works were on the effectiveness and results of MIS versus traditional methods. Conclusion: The worldwide trend of MIS studies indicates continuous innovation, technology incorporation, and cross-disciplinary concern. With the development of new technologies, upcoming MIS studies should target long-term effects, economic feasibility, and worldwide availability to maintain its clinical influence.