M. Gazi Yaşargil (1925-2025): a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of his impact on modern microneurosurgery.

Abstract

M. Gazi Yaşargil, often called the "father of modern microneurosurgery," fundamentally reshaped neurosurgery through a philosophy emphasizing precision and functional preservation. Despite his widely acknowledged legacy, no comprehensive, data-driven analysis has consolidated the full scope of his clinical and scholarly impact. This study combines a narrative synthesis of Yaşargil's work with a bibliometric meta-analysis of his publications from 1952 to 2024, evaluating contributions across anatomical approaches, technical innovations, therapeutic strategies, surgical outcomes, and academic influence. Findings highlight foundational anatomical approaches, such as the pterional craniotomy, and key technical innovations, including specialized microsurgical instruments. His therapeutic strategies achieved durable outcomes, with > 90% obliteration rates in selected vascular cohorts and Engel class I seizure freedom in approximately 70% of epilepsy cases. Bibliometric analysis of 145 publications (approximately 15,089 citations) shows his sustained scholarly influence, with 2748 citations accrued since 2020, particularly in epilepsy and tumor research. This work underscores Yaşargil's enduring impact: anatomy-driven, transferable strategies that remain central to contemporary neurosurgical practice, even amid advances in robotics, endovascular techniques, and image guidance.