Analyzing the quality and validity of holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) videos on social media

Introduction The number of social media users is gradually increasing, and they are spending their time gathering a lot of useful information for themselves. Here, we analysed the quality of Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate (HoLEP) surgery videos on YouTube. Aim To assess the quality of the most viewed HoLEP videos on YouTube using validated questionnaires and scoring systems developed to evaluate the significant features. Material and methods The most viewed 98 videos were included in this study by the search for ‘Holep’ keyword on YouTube. The Journal of American Medical Association Benchmark Score (JAMAS) and Global Quality Score (GQS) were used to analyse the videos after the validated HoLEP Scoring System Score (HSSS) was performed by 3 HoLEP trained surgeons to evaluate the technical quality of videos. Results The videos including surgical technique (76.5%) and uploaded by urologists (63.3%) constituted the majority of videos. The median of JAMAS, GQS, and HSSS were 1 (0–3), 2 (0–4), and 1.5 (0–11), respectively. The mean GQS and JAMAS of videos uploaded by academic centres was higher than those uploaded by commercial centres and urologists (p = 0.01; p = 0.01, respectively). The mean HSSS was lower in the videos uploaded in the last 5 years, while JAMAS was higher (p = 0.03, p = 0.005, respectively). The mean GQS and HSSS of videos with higher likes were found statistically significantly higher (p = 0.01; p = 0.02, respectively). Conclusions HoLEP videos on YouTube are not adequate to obtain proper information about the surgery. Videos uploaded by academic centres and in recent years provide more valid information for patients and urologists. To increase the value of information, online materials need to be checked, for patients to access accurate, reliable, and appropriate healthcare information.