Neurocognitive Outcomes After Cranial and Craniofacial Surgery: Global Research Trends and Emerging Themes

Neurocognitive outcomes are increasingly recognized as important after cranial and craniofacial procedures, but the structure and evolution of this literature have not been characterized comprehensively. The Web of Science Core Collection was used to identify 657 publications from 1991 through June 2026. Publication output, citations, contributing countries and institutions, international collaboration, and keyword co-occurrence were examined using Web of Science, VOSviewer, and Microsoft Excel. Annual publication output increased substantially over the study period. The United States produced the most publications (n=241), followed by China (n=81), Italy and Japan (n=49 each), and England (n=34). The University of California system and Harvard University were the leading institutional contributors. Keyword mapping demonstrated an interdisciplinary literature spanning craniotomy, craniosynostosis, traumatic brain injury, anesthesia, neuro-oncology, neurodevelopment, cognition, and quality of life. Research on neurocognitive outcomes after cranial and craniofacial surgery has expanded and become increasingly patient-centered. Recent themes emphasize neurodevelopment, long-term cognitive function, quality of life, and multidisciplinary perioperative management.