Electrical neuromodulation in bladder dysfunction: Mapping the state‐of‐the‐art with bibliometric analysis of field and top 100 cited articles

Abstract

Aims: Electrical neuromodulation of bladder function has been extensively investigated in the literature. To date, there has been no characterization of the field, and there is a lack of bibliometric literature to guide future studies. We directed this scientometric analysis to characterize the distribution, characteristics and relationships of the field, with subanalysis of top 100 articles. Methods: The Web of Science Core Collection of the Thompson Reuters Web of Science was searched and analyzed to determine distributions and characteristics of clinical research investigating electrical neuromodulation in bladder dysfunction. Field citation and coauthorship networks were mapped, and recent citation bursts of the past decade are described. The top 100 cited articles were categorized, with level of evidence rating system applied. Results: A total of 872 articles published from 1949 until October 2020 were included in field analysis. Europe demonstrated the highest continental productivity within field (n = 539, 61.81%), and the United States the top nation (35.55% of field, 39.24% of top 100 articles). The Journal of Urology has historically published the most articles in the field (n = 150, 17.20%), and top 100 articles (n = 41, 40.20%). Top 100 articles reported studies of neuromodulation effects via sacral neuromodulation (n = 59); of non-neurological bladder dysfunction (n = 72); urinary incontinence (n = 92), frequency (n = 73) and urgency (n = 68) symptomology. Conclusions: Analysis of electrical neuromodulation of bladder dysfunction literature reveals historical development, core research clusters and relationships, and an increase in publication activity over past decades.

Evolving types of pudendal neuromodulation for lower urinary tract dysfunction

“…Electrical stimulation of the sacral roots, generically described as ‘neuromodulation’, has emerged as an alternative and attractive treatment for refractory OAB [ 4 ]. Research towards neuromodulation for overactive bladder (OAB) has been increasing over the past decades [ 6 ].…”

Progress and research trends in neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury bibliometric analysis based on web of science database: An observational study

“…Bibliometric research encompasses scientific journals, academic papers, monographs, and other literary forms. [9][10][11] The VOSviewer software was developed by a team from the Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) at the University of Leiden, The Netherlands. CWTS specializes in scientometrics and scientific evaluation research, employing econometric methods to evaluate the impact, collaborations, and trends in scientific research.…”

“…Bibliometric research encompasses scientific journals, academic papers, monographs, and other literary forms. [ 9 – 11 ]…”