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.