Global research trends in endoscopy applications in submucosal tumor: A bibliometric analysis of studies published from 2010-2024

World J Gastrointest Oncol. 2025 May 15;17(5):102282. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v17.i5.102282.

Abstract

Background: Submucosal tumors (SMTs) are rare conditions frequently encountered in clinical endoscopic practice. With advancements in endoscopic technology over the past decade, endoscopic management of SMTs has emerged as a significant research area.

Aim: To examine developments in this field, compare contributions from different countries, institutions, and authors, and identify potential research hotspots.

Methods: Relevant publications on the endoscopic management of SMTs between January 2010 and June 2024 were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace were used to analyze publication trends and visualize key results.

Results: Overall, 339 publications by 1840 authors from 31 countries/regions were included. Surgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques was the most prominent journal in the field (62 articles, 18.29%). Most research was conducted in China (n = 212), followed by Japan (n = 47), and the United States (n = 28). Fudan University (China) was the most active institution, and Professor Zhou published the most papers (n = 27) with had the highest citation count (n = 1167). Emerging research topics include full-thickness resection devices, defect closure, and cooperative surgery.

Conclusion: The endoscopic management of SMTs has advanced rapidly over the past 14 years. However, national and regional development disparities persist, with limited high-level studies and weak inter-institutional and international collaboration. Device-assisted techniques and combined surgical endoscopic resections are emerging as key areas for future research.

Keywords: Bibliometrics; Endoscopic resection; Global; Publications; Submucosal tumors.