Global Research Trends and Thematic Evolution in Voice Rehabilitation Post Laryngectomy: A 20-Year Bibliometric...

Voice rehabilitation post laryngectomy remains an important area of multidisciplinary clinical research. Previous bibliometric studies in this field have provided limited thematic mapping, which constrains understanding of the global research landscape and its development over time. Therefore, this study conducted a 20-year bibliometric and science mapping analysis (2005-2025) using the Scopus database to examine publication trends, intellectual structure, and emerging research themes, offering a complementary perspective to earlier bibliometric work based on the Web of Science Core Collection. Bibliometric performance indicators were analyzed using ScientoPy, while science mapping and network visualization were performed with VOSviewer. The analysis included 306 publications and showed a steady increase in research activity. Hilgers FJM was identified as the most productive and influential author. High-income countries, particularly the United States (USA), the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom (UK), dominated research output, with Italy demonstrating notable recent growth and collaborative strength. US-based journals led dissemination, with the Journal of Voice publishing the most articles. Thematic evolution analysis indicated that early research (2005-2010) primarily focused on voice assessment and pulmonary rehabilitation. This focus is subsequently expanded (2010-2020) to include rehabilitation modalities, functional outcomes, quality of life (QoL), and prosthetic management, with more recent studies increasingly addressing communication-related aspects. Five thematic clusters were identified, with leading keywords including "laryngectomy", "voice prosthesis", and "QoL", while "laryngeal cancer" gained prominence in recent years. Overall, this bibliometric review demonstrates sustained global growth and evolving thematic priorities in voice rehabilitation post laryngectomy. The findings provide a strategic framework for future research and for strengthening clinical practice in laryngectomy rehabilitation, centered on four key areas: standardized laryngectomy-specific assessments; optimization of pulmonary rehabilitation; evaluation of functional voice-related outcomes; and communication-related outcomes.