Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) represents a notable clinical challenge as it is the most prevalent and severe complication of herpes zoster (HZ). The primary objective was to investigate the current research status and hotspots of PHN research during the period from 2000 to 2022. The literature pertaining to PHN was gathered through the utilization of the Web of Science Core Collection, spanning from January 2000 to December 2022. The software, CiteSpace version 6.2.R2, was employed to produce visual depictions of publications related to PHN across various dimensions such as year, country/region, institution, journal, author, keyword, and reference. This study involved a total of 3505 papers. The USA held a dominant position in the production of scholarly articles. Argentina exhibited the highest frequency of participation in international collaboration. Out of all the institutions, Pfizer exhibited the highest degree of productivity. Harvard University exhibited the highest frequency of participation in international collaboration. The Pain exhibited the most noteworthy productivity rate and citation count among all other journals. Ralf Baron was identified as the most productive author, whereas DWORKIN RH attained the highest citation count. Contemporary scholarly investigations are predominantly centered on identifying risk factors, devising preventative measures, and exploring novel and secure methods of pain management. The current investigation has revealed the focal areas and patterns of studies pertaining to PHN. Presently, the research in this field is focused on identifying the risk factors and preventive measures for PHN, alongside exploring novel and secure pain management strategies.

Background: To evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture treatment of postoperative urinary retention after cervical cancer using meta-analysis. Methods: Computer searches were performed on 8 common Chinese and English databases such as PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang (Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform), VIP (China Science and Technology Journal Database), China Biomedical Literature Database and Cochrane Library, as well as Clinical Trials for the treatment of urinary retention after cervical cancer with acupuncture. A randomized controlled trial of postoperative urinary retention after cervical cancer from the time of library construction to 01/2024. The quality of the included literature was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. Meta-analysis and risk of bias analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4, regression and sensitivity analyses were performed using Stata 17.0. Results: A total of 31 randomized controlled trials with 2179 patients were included in the study. Interventions included filiform needling, embedding needle, electroacupuncture, moxibustion, warm acupuncture, etc. The results showed that acupuncture treatment increased clinical efficiency [relative risk = 1.32, 95% confidence intervals [CI] (1.20, 1.45), P < .00001], reduced residual urine volume [standardized mean difference = −3.21, 95% CI (−4.00, −0.40), P < .00001], and shortened the time to return to spontaneous urination [MD = −1.96, 95% CI (−3.02, −0.91), P = .0003] and indwelling catheter time [mean difference (MD) = −3.76, 95% CI (−5.66, −1.86), P = .0001], and improved maximum urine flow rate [MD = 4.57, 95% CI (0.70, 8.44), P = .02] and bladder compliance [MD = 10.04, 95% CI (8.14, 11.93), P < .00001]. Conclusion: Acupuncture treatment promotes recovery in patients with postoperative urinary retention after cervical cancer, but high-quality studies need to be included to further compare different acupuncture interventions.