Evaluation of the Quality and Influence of YouTube as a Source of Information on Robotic Myomectomy

Background: We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of YouTube videos for helping patients become informed about robotic myomectomy. Methods: We searched YouTube using “robotic myomectomy” and “Da Vinci myomectomy.” Videos were sorted by view count, with the 150 most highly viewed videos being selected. From each video, content type, source, view count, video length, time on YouTube, likes, and dislikes were extracted. A scoring system was used to evaluate video quality. Results: The most prevalent content was recordings of actual surgical procedures of robotic myomectomy, and the most common provider was gynecologic surgeons. Videos directly related to robotic myomectomy were mainly provided by medical groups, had been present on YouTube for a significantly longer time (p = 0.003), and had a higher rate of no responses from viewers (p = 0.014) than videos indirectly related to robotic myomectomy. Videos uploaded by nonmedical groups had more likes, more dislikes, and a higher view ratio (p = 0.029, 0.042, and 0.042, respectively). Scores reflecting video quality did not differ between the two groups. Multiple logistic regression revealed that low-quality videos (less than score 5) were significantly correlated with content indirectly related to robotic myomectomy, poor general quality, fewer views, fewer likes, and no response by viewers. Conclusions: Patients who want to get informed about robotic myomectomy on YouTube should exclude low-quality videos according to such parameters as content, views, and response by viewers. In addition, medical groups should provide videos of good quality for instructing patients about this procedure.