Two Decades of Laparoscopic Surgery Videos: YouTube vs. WebSurg

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a common surgery globally, has seen a surge in educational videos online. Platforms like YouTube and WebSurg offer these videos, but their quality can be hit or miss. This study looked at how the quality of these videos has changed over the past 20 years and compared the educational value between the two sites. The research found that the quality of laparoscopic cholecystomy videos has improved over time. However, there are still big differences in the reliability of these videos. Some might be great for learning, while others could be misleading. This matters because these videos are often used by medical students and even professionals to understand and improve their surgical skills.An interesting point is that YouTube and WebSurg cater to different audiences. YouTube, with its vast user base, tends to have more varied content. WebSurg, on the other hand, is more focused and might offer better quality for specific medical education. This doesn't mean one is better than the other; it just means they serve different purposes. The study also highlights the importance of critical thinking when watching these videos. Just because something is online doesn't mean it's accurate or safe to follow. It's crucial to verify the information with reliable sources. In the end, while these videos can be a fantastic learning tool, we must be careful about their quality and reliability. As technology advances, so should our ability to evaluate and use these resources effectively.