Global trends in surgically based treatment of anal fistula in Crohn’s disease: a bibliometric and visualization analysis

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic, recurrent gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a complex etiology. Among its perianal complications, anal fistulas represent a challenging comorbidity. With the increase of surgical options, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis was deemed necessary to consolidate the vast array of research in this field. We extracted 1608 articles spanning from 1 January 1994, to 1 May 2024, from the Web of Science Core Collection. Using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Scimago Graphica for visual analytics, we synthesized key trends across multiple bibliometric indicators, encompassing geographic and institutional contributions, individual authorship, journal prominence, citation metrics, and thematic prevalence. From the delineated corpus, we identified publications from 325 countries and 5110 research institutions, with the US and UK at the forefront of publication volume and academic impact. The data indicated a leading role for institutions like the Cleveland Clinic and Imperial College London. "Diseases of the Colon and Rectum" emerged as a central journal due to its high publication and citation frequency. Distinctly, the analysis uncovered trending keywords, signifying the field's prioritization on surgical intervention, biologic therapy, imaging modalities, and emerging biological treatments. Our findings elucidate a trajectory toward prominent advancements in CD fistula research. This analysis underscores the field's shift towards integrative treatment strategies, spotlighting the pressing need for comprehensive comparative studies of surgical approaches. It underscores the imperative for robust clinical trials to standardize treatments and extend care to a broader CD patient population.