Research Trends and Hotspots in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery: A Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis

Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) has changed gynecologic care over the past thirty years by introducing techniques like multiport laparoscopy, robotic-assisted laparoscopy, and single-site surgery. MIGS offers advantages like reduced blood loss, shorter recovery times, and comparable oncological outcomes to open surgery. However, existing literature lacks a systematic synthesis of global research trends and academic performance of researchers. This cross-sectional bibliometric analysis examined 5,379 MIGS-related publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection database spanning 2014 to 2023, utilizing tools like VOSviewer and CiteSpace to map academic trends. The study revealed global contributions from 1,888 institutions across 97 countries, with the United States (1,156 publications) and China (1,090 publications) emerging as leading contributors. High-income countries dominated research output, though metrics varied regionally. Key institutions driving innovation included Mayo Clinic (n = 97), Harvard Medical School (n = 87), and Brigham & Women's Hospital (n = 83). Journal performance showed disparities influenced by impact factors, accessibility, and editorial focus, while research hotspots centered on endometriosis, laparoscopy, and hysteroscopy. The findings highlight a dynamic, collaborative global landscape in MIGS research, with disease prevalence and journal specialization shaping academic priorities. This analysis underscores the field's evolution and anticipates future directions, emphasizing the role of multidisciplinary collaboration and technological advancements in advancing clinical practice.