Editorial highlights 2025 - a transformative year for Mini-invasive Surgery (MIS)

The year 2025 has marked a period of growth and remarkable achievement for Mini-invasive Surgery (MIS). I am proud to announce that the journal’s CiteScore has risen from 1.2 to 1.3, reflecting both the quality of the research we publish and the increasing global recognition of MIS as an important platform for innovation in minimally invasive and robotic surgery. Over the past year, MIS has continued to deliver relevant publications that span a wide range of surgical disciplines, including hepatopancreatobiliary and gastrointestinal surgery, bariatrics, urology, and oncology. Among the most significant papers in 2025 in MIS is the retrospective review by Murillo et al., “Comparison of conventional and robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer” (MIS 2025;9:7)^[1]. This study provides a rigorous comparison between conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) and robotic-assisted MIE (RAMIE), showing improved lymphadenectomy and reduced recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis with RAMIE despite the challenges of learning curves and cost. Another major contribution is the review by Pandolfo et al. “The evolving landscape of renal surgery for complex renal masses (CRM): implications for oncologic and functional outcomes” (MIS 2025;9:1), which addresses the expanding role of robotic surgery in nephron-sparing surgery and the nuanced trade-offs between function preservation and perioperative risk^[2]. Another important contribution is the original paper by Maeda et al. (MIS 2025;9:2), “Does minimally invasive anatomical hepatectomy reduce surgical site infections?”, which aims to clarify the effectiveness of laparoscopic anatomical liver resections in surgical site infections (SSIs)^[3]. The authors performed a retrospective comparison between two groups, concluding that minimally invasive anatomical hepatectomy can reduce SSIs. These articles exemplify two dominant themes of the year: first, the consolidation of robotic-assisted approaches as not just experimental, but increasingly evidence-based in complex anatomical domains; second, the emphasis on refined decision-making in minimally invasive surgery - balancing patient-centred outcomes, oncologic safety and technical feasibility. This year also highlighted the expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven decision support in minimally invasive surgery. Reviews such as “The current state of artificial intelligence in robotic esophageal surgery” (MIS 2025;9:6) have shown how machine learning and intraoperative analytics are poised to become integral tools for planning, navigation, and performance assessment in the modern operating room^[4]. From robotic-assisted approaches to advanced imaging and navigation systems, the integration of technology continues to push boundaries. Some highlighted papers have demonstrated how AI and machine learning are becoming integral tools for intraoperative decision-making and outcome prediction, setting the stage for data-driven surgery. Beyond individual studies, the journal’s special issues have played a pivotal role in advancing focused areas of research. In oncologic surgery, multiple relevant studies provided compelling evidence supporting minimally invasive techniques in complex resections - including hepato-pancreato-biliary, thoracic, and colorectal procedures - without compromising oncological radicality. These findings strengthen the position of minimally invasive surgery as a standard of care in domains once dominated by open approaches. Looking ahead, the convergence of robotics, augmented reality, and digital surgery promises to redefine our operative environment. The translation of these technologies into improved patient outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility will remain central to future research priorities. These initiatives underscore MIS’s mission to provide a forum for multidisciplinary collaboration and to highlight transformative ideas across surgical specialties. As we look ahead, the future of minimally invasive surgery lies in integrating robotics, imaging, and intelligent systems into surgical workflows - always guided by the principles of safety, reproducibility, and patient benefit. The editorial board remains committed to maintaining rigorous peer review and to supporting authors whose work embodies excellence, innovation, and clinical relevance. I extend my sincere gratitude to our authors, reviewers, readers, and editorial collaborators for their invaluable contributions. The continued growth of MIS - and its improved CiteScore in 2025 - is a shared success that reflects the vitality and creativity of our entire community.