Global research landscape and technological breakthroughs in post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence management: a bibliometric review and visualized study.

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men worldwide. Treatment frequently leads to urinary incontinence (UI), yet no global standard exists, revealing regional disparities. This paper states current research and innovations in managing this complication, offering guidance to improve treatment outcomes and enhance patients' quality of life (QoL).

Methods: This study analyzed 2,642 peer-reviewed articles on PCa and UI (January 1991 to November 11, 2024) from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Using VOSviewer, Citespace, Excel, R4.4.1, and Pajek, it examined publication trends, country/institution distributions, journal outputs, authorship patterns, and citation networks. Findings highlighted research hotspots, aided by standardized VOSviewer-based preprocessing.

Results: The USA and Germany lead research on PCa and UI, with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center publishing the most articles and Harvard University being the most cited institution. Martin G. Sanda is the author with the most publications, and the Journal of Urology has the most publications. Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RP) is a key emerging technique, while stress UI remains a prevalent post-surgery issue. A bibliometric analysis using the WoSCC data reveals global trends, highlighting shifts from traditional surgery to robotic methods and an increasing focus on quality-of-life outcomes.

Conclusions: Recent advances in UI management after PCa, especially RP, have markedly improved patient outcomes. Revised American Urological Association guidelines address these complications and recommend interventions like artificial urinary sphincters, reflecting a global commitment to enhance QoL.