Changing the Status Quo: The 100 Most-Disruptive Papers in Urology?

Abstract

Objective: To identify key papers in urology using a novel bibliometric index called the disruption score.

Methods: A PubMed search was conducted to identify papers published in Journal of Urology, European Urology, Urology, Urologic Oncology, Journal of Endourology, and BJU International, Nature Reviews Urology. Selected urology papers published in other medical journals were also included. Using a validated dataset of disruption scores for all papers published in 1954-2014, the top 100 most-disruptive urology papers, as well as the top 100 most-cited papers, were identified. Comparisons between both lists and across journals were investigated.

Results: A total of 72,623 published articles were included. Journal of Urology had the most articles in the most-disruptive papers list (n = 69) followed by BJU International (n = 16). New England Journal of Medicine had the most papers in the most-cited papers list (n = 26) followed by Journal of Urology (n = 23). Only 7 papers were common to both the most-disruptive papers and most-cited papers lists. Oncology was highly represented among the most-cited papers (n = 60), whereas the most-disruptive papers included a broader representation of urology. The most common study design among the most disruptive papers was small case-series/case reports, whereas the most common study design among the most-cited papers was randomized controlled trials.

Conclusion: The disruption score identified landmark papers in urology that have introduced innovative ideas. Disruption score captures a unique profile of scientific impact that may be used in combination with other bibliometric indices to identify scholarly achievements in urology.