A comparative evaluation of laparoscopic TAPP videos on YouTube and WebSurg: surgical steps and educational value

Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) videos on YouTube and WebSurg have an important place in surgical training. However, there are differences between these platforms in terms of training quality and compliance with standard surgical steps. The aim of this study was to compare laparoscopic TAPP videos on YouTube (limited to individually uploaded content) and WebSurg in terms of surgical technique and educational quality.

Twelve videos meeting specific criteria were selected from both platforms. The 2 groups were compared using the 9 Commandments, which assessed compliance with surgical steps, and the Procedure Presentation Score (PPS), which assessed video quality/educational content. Data on video characteristics, such as view count, publication date, and duration, were also collected.

Although YouTube videos reached more viewers, WebSurg videos had higher compliance with the 9 Commandments (WebSurg median score 8/9 vs. YouTube median score 5/9, p < 0.01). In addition, WebSurg videos had higher PPS scores (median: 8) than YouTube videos (median: 5) (p = 0.02).

When utilizing online video platforms for surgical training, institutional training platforms such as WebSurg should be preferred. When the videos included here were compared with YouTube in the light of the defined criteria; it was seen that YouTube videos were not of sufficient quality.