Educational quality and reliability of laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery videos on YouTube: A cross- sectional analysis using the JAMA benchmark criteria

INTRODUCTION: YouTube is widely used as a supplementary educational resource by surgical trainees, yet the reliability and educational quality of its content vary considerably. Laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery demands advanced technical skills, making high-quality visual material essential for safe and effective training. However, despite the growing use of online platforms, systematic evaluations of YouTube content in this field remain limited. The aim is to evaluate the reliability, educational quality, and technical completeness of laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery videos on YouTube using validated assessment tools.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated YouTube videos of laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery identified through predefined search terms. Uploader type, video characteristics, engagement metrics, language, and image quality were recorded. Reliability was assessed using JAMA criteria, educational quality with the GQS, and technical completeness with a 10-item surgical checklist. Pearson correlation and independent samples t-test were used for analysis.
RESULTS: A total of 20 videos met the study criteria, with laparoscopic low anterior resection and right hemi-colectomy being the most common procedures (each 35%). The mean video duration was 32.2±30.1 minutes. The mean JAMA, GQS, and technical scores were 3.2±1.1, 10.3±4.5, and 7.7±2.1, respectively. No significant correlations were found between view count and JAMA, GQS, or technical scores. In contrast, GQS showed a strong positive correlation with technical score (r=0.77, p<0.001). Videos with verbal narration had significantly higher JAMA, GQS, and technical scores than those without narration (all p<0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Verbal narration significantly enhances the reliability and educational value of laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery videos on YouTube, underscoring the need for higher-quality and professionally curated online surgical content.

Keywords: YouTube, laparoscopic colorectal surgery, surgical education, JAMA benchmark criteria, video analysis, colorectal cancer