Wang Miaofeng, Chen Wei, Xie ZhuHong
Department of General Surgery, Shaoxing Central Hospital (The Central Affiliated Hospital, Shaoxing University), Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China.
Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China.
Medicine (Baltimore). 2025 Jun 27;104(26):e43021. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000043021.
Hernia repair is a prevalent surgical procedure globally, with increasing demand due to factors such as aging populations, obesity, and previous surgeries. The evolution of hernia repair materials and techniques has significantly impacted surgical outcomes, with advancements focusing on reducing recurrence rates and complications. This study aims to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research trends in hernia repair materials from 2004 to 2024.
Data were collected from the Web of Science database to quantitatively assess publication trends, influential authors, journals, and collaborative networks. Bibliometric tools such as VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used to analyze keyword co-occurrence, research hotspots, and the evolution of study themes. The analysis focused on the progression from synthetic to biological and composite meshes, alongside the development of minimally invasive techniques.
The study revealed a steady increase in research output, peaking in 2020, with the United States leading in innovation. Initial research focused on synthetic meshes such as polypropylene; however, recent trends include the exploration of biological, composite, and absorbable materials. Advances in laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries were also prominent, reflecting a shift toward patient-centered approaches. Emerging technologies such as nanotechnology and 3D-printed meshes were identified as promising future directions.
This bibliometric analysis demonstrates the evolution and diversification of hernia repair materials and techniques, emphasizing the need for continued innovation. Future research should focus on optimizing patient outcomes through advanced technologies such as tissue engineering and nanotechnology, which have the potential to overcome existing limitations and enhance clinical efficacy.
疝气修补术是全球一种常见的外科手术，由于人口老龄化、肥胖以及既往手术等因素，其需求不断增加。疝气修补材料和技术的发展显著影响了手术效果，进展主要集中在降低复发率和并发症方面。本研究旨在对2004年至2024年疝气修补材料的研究趋势进行全面的文献计量分析。
从科学网数据库收集数据，以定量评估发表趋势、有影响力的作者、期刊和合作网络。使用VOSviewer和CiteSpace等文献计量工具分析关键词共现、研究热点和研究主题的演变。分析重点在于从合成材料到生物材料和复合补片的进展，以及微创技术的发展。
该研究显示研究产出稳步增长，在2020年达到峰值，美国在创新方面领先。最初的研究集中在聚丙烯等合成补片上；然而，最近的趋势包括对生物材料、复合材料和可吸收材料的探索。腹腔镜和机器人辅助手术的进展也很突出，反映出向以患者为中心的方法转变。纳米技术和3D打印补片等新兴技术被确定为有前景的未来方向。
这项文献计量分析展示了疝气修补材料和技术的演变与多样化，强调了持续创新的必要性。未来的研究应专注于通过组织工程和纳米技术等先进技术优化患者预后，这些技术有可能克服现有局限性并提高临床疗效。
