YouTube as a Resource for Surgical Education: A Content Analysis of Transurethral Bladder Tumor Resection (TURBT)...

Transurethral bladder tumor resection (TURBT) is the standard initial surgical procedure for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and a core competency for urologists. Online surgical preparation increasingly relies on YouTube, but the educational quality of TURBT videos has not been systematically assessed. We performed a systematic YouTube search (March 1, 2025) using "transurethral resection of bladder tumor," "bladder tumor removal," and "TURBT." Standard-format procedure videos 2-30 min were included; nonprocedural, promotional, and Shorts content were excluded. Video characteristics, technical details, and source (academic vs. individual urologist) were recorded; all videos were independently reviewed by 2 urologists. Educational quality was evaluated using the Global Quality Score (GQS; 1-5) and a 12-item TURBT Checklist Score (TURBT-CS) covering perioperative elements. Thirty-six videos met criteria (10 academic [27.8%]). Half were 1080p and half had audio narration, but subtitles were uncommon (13.9%). Academic videos achieved higher GQS and TURBT-CS (p = 0.001) and greater engagement (views, likes; VPI p = 0.034) yet lower image-quality scores (p = 0.003); audio narration was more frequent (p = 0.003); no significant differences were seen in duration, upload time, subtitles, visual aids, energy source, or resection technique (all p > 0.05). GQS and TURBT-CS correlated positively with engagement metrics (all p < 0.05); interobserver agreement was excellent (ICC 0.857 TURBT-CS; 0.853 GQS; both p < 0.001). Educational quality of YouTube TURBT videos is heterogeneous; academically sourced content is generally superior and more engaging, though technical image quality may lag. Standardized, validated checklists and increased academic oversight could enhance the educational utility of open-access surgical videos.