Every Piece of Knowledge has its Value

We read with interest the article from Cosgun et al,[1] whether YouTube videos are useful in Robot-Assisted Segmentectomy Education. Although the authors rightly raise concerns about the limitations of YouTube videos for formal surgical training—particularly the lack of detailed explanations and structured guidance for every step of the procedure—it is important to acknowledge their distinct value for practicing surgeons. For trainees at the beginning of their learning curve, these videos may indeed fall short in educational rigor. However, for surgeons who already possess foundational experience in thoracic surgery or robotic techniques, such videos often highlight the most critical aspects of a procedure—those subtle nuances, tips, and pitfalls that are not always conveyed in textbooks or structured courses.

Moreover, in our ever-evolving field, every surgeon—regardless of seniority—is a lifelong learner. As the ancient Athenian Greek political philosopher, lawmaker, and statesman Solon wisely stated, “γηράσκω αεί διδασκóμενος” (“I grow old always learning”), a sentiment echoed by Socrates a century later. Robotic segmentectomy is a field that continues to evolve rapidly, and in this context, easily accessible visual resources such as YouTube offer a dynamic platform for continuing education. Although they should not replace formal training, these videos can serve as valuable adjuncts for experienced professionals aiming to refine their skills or adapt to emerging techniques.

Publication History

Received: 30 May 2025

Accepted: 24 June 2025

Article published online:
01 August 2025

• Reference

• 1 Coşgun T, Doğruyol T, Tezel Ç. Are YouTube Videos Useful in Robot-assisted Segmentectomy Education?. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2025; 73 (04) 325-330