AUTHOR=Adorisio Ottavio , Davoli Enrico , De Peppo Francesco 

TITLE=Evaluation of YouTube videos addressing thoracoscopic sympathectomy using the LAP-VEGaS guidelines

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Surgery

VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/surgery/articles/10.3389/fsurg.2023.1133124

DOI=10.3389/fsurg.2023.1133124

ISSN=2296-875X

ABSTRACT=Introduction

The study aims to evaluate the quality of videos addressing thoracoscopic sympathectomy on YouTube® using the LAParoscopic surgery Video Educational GuidelineS (LAP-VEGaS) criteria.
Methods
YouTube was searched using the following keyword: “thoracoscopic sympathectomy” on August 22, 2021. The first 50 videos were analyzed and classified for baseline characteristics and conformity to the LAP-VEGaS checklist.
Results
Duration ranged from 19 seconds to 22 minutes. The mean number of likes was 14.8 (range 0-80). The mean number of dislikes was 2.5 (range 0-14). The mean number of comments was 8.5 (range 0-67). Nineteen videos did not meet our criteria and were excluded. Regarding the remaining 31 videos, none contained all 16 points of the LAP-VEGaS essential checklist (mean 5.4 points, range 2–14 points), with almost all neglecting preoperative information and outcomes. The mean percentage of conformity was 37% (range 12%–93%). The most viewed videos were not associated with higher conformity to LAP-VEGaS criteria showing only 4/16 points (25%).  
Conclusions
The quality of videos addressing TS on YouTube®, based on the LAP-VEGaS checklist may be considered not acceptable. Experienced surgeons and surgeons in trainees should be aware of this when using it as a learning resource in their clinical practice.