Quantifying Discrepancies between the Internet and Academic Literature Regarding Robotic Prostatectomy

Variability in the quality and accuracy of online medical information has been well documented. We assessed the content presented online for robotic prostatectomy.

A Web search was performed on Google, Yahoo and Bing using the search term "robotic prostatectomy." The first 50 Web sites found on each engine were evaluated for authorship, content and validity. The Fisher-Freeman-Halton test was used to compare differences between search engines. A second search using a more technical search term, "robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy," was then performed on Google. Differences between search terms were compared using the Fisher exact test.

Most Web sites mention benefits of robotic prostatectomy (78%) and allow readers to schedule appointments (72.7%). However, a minority reference peer-reviewed literature (16.7%) or mention risks (34%). Overall 43.3% of Web sites mention faster return of continence and potency as benefits of robotic surgery. The more technical search term yielded more mention of risks (p <0.001), description of the procedure (p = 0.048) and references to peer-reviewed literature (p <0.001).

Online information may not parallel current academic literature. Many Web sites mention faster return of continence and erectile function as benefits of robotic surgery despite inconclusive evidence in the literature supporting these claims. A more technical search term improved the quality of results, which may help physicians guide patients toward higher quality educational material in the future.