Abstract Background and objective Epilepsy surgery is crucial for treating drug-resistant epilepsy, enhancing seizure control, and reducing the mortality rate. This study aimed to map global research trends in epilepsy surgery through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to identify key contributors, thematic clusters, and research gaps, thereby guiding future research directions. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to offer a comprehensive, bibliometric-based overview of global research patterns in epilepsy surgery. Method A bibliometric analysis was conducted using Scopus data from 2000 to 2024. The Bibliometrix package in R and VOS viewer were used to examine citation metrics, co-authorship networks, and keyword co-occurrence to identify prominent researchers, institutions, and research areas. Additionally, temporal patterns and geographic distribution of publications were assessed. Results The analysis included 4259 articles by 11,816 authors. The annual publications increased from 123 in 2000 to 250 in 2021. The top contributing countries were the United States, Germany, and Canada. Leading institutions included the University of California and Mayo Clinic. Key research areas included selective amygdalohippocampectomy, anterior temporal lobectomy, and minimally invasive procedures. Emerging topics of interest encompassed neuromodulation therapies and advanced imaging techniques. However, research contributions from low- and middle-income countries were scarce, highlighting disparities in research output. Additionally, the analysis identified important research gaps. Conclusion This bibliometric study revealed the progressive development of epilepsy surgery research by identifying principal contributors, thematic focuses, and collaborative networks. The findings stressed the need for increased representation from low- and middle-income countries and for long-term outcome studies. By addressing research gaps and promoting global cooperation, the field can continue to advance, ensuring equitable access to state-of-the-art treatments for individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Alsulaiman et al. (2026) studied this question.