Global Trends in Urological Evidence Synthesis: A Bibliometric Analysis of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are essential for evidence-based urology practice. Despite their importance, no comprehensive assessment of their evolution exists, limiting understanding of research priorities. This bibliometric analysis examines systematic reviews and meta-analyses in urology, analyzing publication trends, influential works, and collaboration networks to guide future research.

In this bibliometric study, a comprehensive search of the Scopus database was conducted until January 2024, focusing on English-language systematic reviews and meta-analyses in urology. Bibliometric data were analyzed using Excel, VOSviewer, and Scimago Graphica to examine publication trends, citations, collaborations, and research themes.

Analysis of 9006 publications (55.4% open access) showed exponential growth from 1987 (n = 1) to 2024 (n = 1025). The top 50 cited papers focused mainly on urological oncology (uro-oncology), surgical outcomes, and diagnostic imaging. European Urology emerged as the leading journal, showing strong bibliographic coupling with other specialty urological journals. Term co-occurrence analysis revealed 5 major clusters: (1) drug efficacy in prostatic hyperplasia; (2) cancer risk and genetic studies; (3) treatment modalities in urological cancers; (4) surgical complications; and (5) diagnostic accuracy in prostate cancer. The United States, Italy, and the United Kingdom demonstrated the strongest international collaboration networks, with European countries showing robust research partnerships.

Urological evidence synthesis shows particular emphasis on uro-oncology, surgical outcomes, and diagnostic imaging, reflecting the evolution of evidence-based urological practice. Future research should focus on expanding international collaborations, addressing emerging diagnostic technologies, and developing standardized methodologies for evidence synthesis in urological practice.