Educational quality and reliability of YouTube videos on laparoscopic burch colposuspension: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION

Online video platforms are widely used by both clinicians and patients to obtain information about surgical procedures. However, the quality and reliability of procedure-specific videos remain uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the educational quality and reliability of YouTube videos on laparoscopic Burch colposuspension (LBC).

METHODS

A structured YouTube search using the term "laparoscopic Burch colposuspension" was conducted on April 15, 2026. After applying exclusion criteria, 50 videos were analyzed by two gynecologists and one urologist. Educational quality was assessed using the LAP-VEGaS tool, while overall quality and reliability were evaluated using the Global Quality Score (GQS) and DISCERN tool. Interobserver agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

RESULTS

Most videos (98 %) were uploaded by gynecologists, and 68 % were uploaded by non-academic physicians. Didactic narration was present in only 40 % of the videos. The median LAP-VEGaS score was 6 (range 1-14), with only 22 % of the videos reaching the threshold for high educational quality. The mean GQS and DISCERN scores were 2.54 ± 1.14 and 2.38 ± 1.14, respectively, indicating low overall quality and reliability. Interobserver agreement was high across all scoring systems (ICC range: 0.864-0.932).

CONCLUSIONS

YouTube videos on LBC showed limited educational quality and reliability. Important procedural details were frequently missing. Higher-quality, standardized videos may improve the educational value of online content for clinicians and patients.