Guided Laparoscopic Video Tutorials for Medical Student Instruction in Abdominal Anatomy

Assessment of the Quality of YouTube Educational Videos on Laparoscopic Right Adrenalectomy and Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy Surgeries

Introduction: Despite the considerable studies conducted on the quality of YouTube surgical videos as an educational resource in other surgical fields, there have been no such studies in the field of laparoscopic urology so far. Considering the great sensitivity in these procedures and the necessity of identifying the mistakes in these videos, we aimed to evaluate the quality of YouTube educational videos on laparoscopic right adrenalectomy and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy surgeries. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 131 YouTube educational videos on laparoscopic right adrenalectomy and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy surgeries were reviewed. Two researchers familiar with laparoscopic urological surgery reviewed the videos based on the LAP-VEGaS checklist. A third professor reviewed the videos on which there were disagreements. Results: In the majority of the videos, the title was chosen accordingly and the surgeon was introduced appropriately. Furthermore, in most of the videos, patient anonymity was respected. The mean score of the videos was equal to 74.3 ± 5.4, the maximum score being 17 and the minimum 1. The average score of the partial nephrectomy videos was obtained as 98.3 ± 5.74, whereas the average score for adrenalectomy videos was 47.3 ± 4.5. The overall average score of the studied videos was 74.3 ± 5.40. Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that most of YouTube videos on laparoscopic right adrenalectomy and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy surgeries are used for educational purpose. These YouTube videos are suboptimal in educational aspect and students should be advised to use them with caution.

Defining digital surgery: a SAGES white paper

BACKGROUND

Digital surgery is a new paradigm within the surgical innovation space that is rapidly advancing and encompasses multiple areas.

METHODS

This white paper from the SAGES Digital Surgery Working Group outlines the scope of digital surgery, defines key terms, and analyzes the challenges and opportunities surrounding this disruptive technology.

RESULTS

In its simplest form, digital surgery inserts a computer interface between surgeon and patient. We divide the digital surgery space into the following elements: advanced visualization, enhanced instrumentation, data capture, data analytics with artificial intelligence/machine learning, connectivity via telepresence, and robotic surgical platforms. We will define each area, describe specific terminology, review current advances as well as discuss limitations and opportunities for future growth.

CONCLUSION

Digital Surgery will continue to evolve and has great potential to bring value to all levels of the healthcare system. The surgical community has an essential role in understanding, developing, and guiding this emerging field.

A pilot study of robotic surgery case videos for first-year medical student anatomy

There has been a recent shift in medical student anatomy education with greater incorporation of virtual resources. Multiple approaches to virtual anatomy resources have been described, but few involve video or images from surgical procedures. In this pilot study, a series of surgical case videos was created using robotic surgery video footage for a first-year medical student anatomy course. Five operations were included that covered thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic anatomy. Students were surveyed at the end of the course regarding their experience with the videos and their perceptions towards a surgical career. Overall, participants agreed that the videos were an effective learning tool, were useful regardless of career interest, and that in the future it would be useful to incorporate additional surgical case videos. Respondents highlighted the importance of audio narration with future videos and provided suggestions for future operations that they would like to see included. In summary, this pilot study describes the creation and implementation of a surgical video anatomy curriculum and student survey results suggest this may be an effective approach to video-based anatomy education for further curricular development.

Evaluation of surgical educational videos available for third year medical students

Objectives: In this study we evaluated 40, top recommended, laparoscopic appendectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy videos located on public domain websites using eight criteria created by a panel of third year medical students and general surgeons. We hypothesized that there is a lack of quality, thorough educational laparoscopic surgical videos appropriate for third year medical students to review in preparation for the Surgery rotation.Methods: Utilizing a panel, which included four third year medical students and two general surgeons, we created an 'ideal medical student educational video checklist.' This checklist included 8 vital criteria. We selected 40, top recommended, videos available on YouTube and Google Video search engines, using 'laparoscopic cholecystectomy' and 'laparoscopic appendectomy' as key terms. Each video was evaluated by four third year medical students individually, using a binary system 'meets' or 'does not meet' each criterion. Individual scores were averaged, producing a single score for each video.Results: 0/40 (0%) of the videos met all eight of the criteria. 26/40 (65%) of the videos did not meet half of the criteria. The top performing videos 7/40 (17%) only met 5/8 criteria. Conclusions: We identified a lack of quality and thorough educational surgical videos appropriate for third year medical students and a need for improved online video based instruction. Our checklist can be utilized as a guide for anyone creating surgical videos for medical student education in the future.