Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Hydronephrosis, a clinically important condition associated with renal impairment and an increased healthcare burden, remains challenging to diagnose and manage despite advances in imaging and therapy. This bibliometric study analyzed 10,152 publications from 1901 to 2025 (as of August 2025) using the Web of Science Core Collection and VOSviewer to map the research landscape. The results demonstrate increasing research attention to hydronephrosis in WoSCC-indexed publications, with 6,742 contributing institutions, led by Harvard University, the University of Toronto, and the University of California, San Francisco. Pediatric centers formed strong international collaborations, with the University of Toronto achieving the highest total-link strength (135). The analysis identified 40,865 authors, of whom Armando J. Lorenzo was the most prolific (117 publications). Journal analysis revealed the Journal of Urology (871 papers) as the leading outlet, alongside emerging journals such as Cureus . Keyword analysis identified 264 high-frequency terms, with “Kidney” (451 occurrences) and “Ureter” (343 occurrences) being the most common. Recent emphasis has shifted toward case reports and kidney stone research. Collectively, these findings illustrate the transition from anatomical studies to advanced clinical applications, supported by robust pediatric-focused networks. Despite limitations, including database coverage and reliance on quantitative metrics, this study, to our knowledge, provides the first comprehensive analytical framework for hydronephrosis research, highlighting knowledge gaps and emerging frontiers. Future research should emphasize mechanistic investigations, clinical translation, and multinational collaboration to improve patient outcomes and inform evidence-based practice.
Source: Current Problems in Surgery
Authors: Yakun Xu, Shuai Zhang, Jing Zhang, Lei Liu, Dianyong Liu
Institution: Dalian Maternal and Child Health Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Library and Information Sciences
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,780
OpenAlex ID: W7203942983