Acceptance and Perceived Usefulness of Surgical Video Instructions in Expert-Tutored Open and Robotic Pancreato- and Hepaticojejunostomy Training with 3D Biotissue Models.

BACKGROUND:Suturing complex anastomoses requires repetitive training for mastery. Expert tutoring is a limited and costly ressource. This study assessed the added value of surgical video instructions in expert-tutored hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery courses. METHODS:Trainees and tutors used QR codes to access instructional videos of pancreatico- and hepaticojejunostomy (04/2024-09/2025: Davos course for HPB Surgery; Hands-On- Course of the North-German Surgical Association; ESSO Course Pancreatic Surgery). After watching videos and performing anastomoses on 3D-biotissue organ models, participants anonymously completed standardized questionnaires. RESULTS:Out of 51 participants (20 residents; 31 specialists), most reported that QR codes facilitated video access (n=48, 96%). The majority found the videos useful (n=31, 62%). Most preferred a combination of expert tutoring and surgical video instructions (n=49, 96%) and agreed that expert tutoring was more effective when supported by videos (n=44, 86%). Furthermore, 28 (55%) participants felt they could improve their surgical skills with the videos in self-directed training without expert guidance. Older and more experienced participants were more likely to agree that videos added value to expert tutoring. CONCLUSION:Surgical video instructions were well accepted and perceived as valuable additions to expert-tutored courses on HPB anastomoses. Further studies should assess translation into improved training outcomes.