Bibliometrics is the application of statistical methods to analyze books, articles and other publications, especially scientific ones. Closely related to scientometrics and informetrics, to the point of overlapping and confusing. Bibliometrics refers to the study of the dynamics of the disciplines reflected in the production of their literature. It includes everything from the record of changes in the production of an academic discipline over time and between countries or regions, to the problem of the library collection. In this article some historical concepts, definitions and objectives of bibliometrics will be explained; as well as the Laws of bibliometrics; the types of analysis and bibliometric indicators most used; to finish with some examples of different types of published bibliometric studies, so that the reader can form a general idea of what he can do in this field, applying these methodologies to surgical disciplines and others as well. The aim of this manuscript was to generate a study document regarding bibliometrics as an alternative to develop research in surgery and related disciplines.