Global insights and trends in to laparoscopic donor hepatectomy: a bibliometric analysis

The development of laparoscopic donor hepatectomy has been both challenging and complex. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to evaluate its global progress and research trends. Relevant publications from 1900 to 2024 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection using topic-specific keywords. After screening and removing duplicates, 167 articles were included for full bibliometric assessment using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. The findings reveal that laparoscopic donor hepatectomy originated in the West but has risen in the East. Existing consensus meetings, guideline reports, and numerous high-quality studies have validated the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive donor hepatectomy, particularly in South Korea, where the majority of current studies are concentrated. Laparoscopic left lateral donor hepatectomy is now well-established as a standard approach. Current challenges include addressing limitations imposed by anatomical variations and graft size during laparoscopic donor hepatectomy, while emerging trends point toward the growing integration of robotic-assisted surgery. Although the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic donor hepatectomy are well-documented in high-volume experienced transplant centers, its establishment as a universal standard of care - especially concerning laparoscopic donor left and right hepatectomy - necessitates further validation through additional evidence. The "Donor First" principle remains paramount and must be strictly upheld in all donor procedures.