How effective and reliable is YouTube videos about mPCNL in the treatment planning process?

In this study, reliability, efficacy, and quality of YouTube videos on miniaturized PCNL procedures were assessed using a scoring system.Video searches were conducted using keywords miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL), ultra-miniPCNL (UMP) and super-miniPCNL (SMP) via https://www.youtube.com. All videos >2 minutes, in English and containing the procedure of mPCNL were ordered and listed according to relevance and popularity. Validated GQS and Reliability scales were used for quality and content analysis of the videos, confirmed video power index (VPI) was used to assess video popularity, and the mPCNL score, developed by 3 endourologists, was used to measure the informational and educational value of the videos.While specialists (61.9%) were the main source for uploading 63 videos included in the study, the largest target group was patients (61.9%). Operation procedures (68.3%) was the main content and the highest upload region was Asian continent (66.7%). The majority of videos were in English (60.3%), focused on standard mPCNL rather than miniaturization subtypes (77.8%). Mean VPI, GQS, reliability, mPCNL scores were 4.61, 2.86, 2.61, 9.58 respectively. These parameters, which were positively correlated, were found to be statistically significantly higher for videos of 'academic' origin, 'Physicians' target audience and 'English audio' language format(P<0.05).Since mPCNL videos, which are popular and have high informational and educational value, are aimed at medical professionals rather than patients, they are not functional in treatment selection and explaining the procedure. By raising its standards, video portals can make the treatment process practical as a functional bridge between patients and healthcare professionals.