YouTube as a Potential Training Method for Laparoscopic Splenectomy

Abstract Objective: Online video-hosting platforms are important sources of information for various fields. Surgical trainees are actively using YouTube as an adjunct to their training. In this study, we assessed the accuracy of the information available on laparoscopic splenectomy, in regard to quality, medical accuracy, and feasibility as a surgical training tool. Methods: On March 23, 2022, YouTube was searched using the keyword ‘laparoscopic splenectomy.’ The video quality was scored using an authordeveloped arbitrary scoring system. Videos were classified as private practice (PP), secondary hospital (SH) and academic institution (AI). Results: Of 100 videos selected, 34 were excluded, and 66 were included in the study. Of the 66 videos, 4 (6.1%) were classified as good, 51 (77.3%) as moderate, and 11 (16.7%) as poor. The mean views, likes, and dislikes did not show any significant differences among the three groups. Videos in the good and moderate groups were significantly longer than those in the poor group. More videos were uploaded from PP than SH or AI [45 (68.2%) vs 5 (7.6%) from SH vs 16 (24.2%) from AI]. The mean score of AI videos were significantly higher than that of PP or SH videos (AI 11.7 ± 0.5 vs PP 10.2 ± 0.4, P=0.034, AI 11.7 ± 0.5 vs SH 8.2 ± 0.9, P=0.004). Conclusion: AI videos had higher educational value than PP or SH videos, but this difference was not recognized by viewers. AI videos can be referred to by surgical trainees as adjuncts to the training program.