FLS MODULES QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Warfarin discontinue time - Answer -3 days
Laproscopic instruments diameter and length ranges - Answer -2-10mm, 30-45cm
Hopkins rod lens - Answer -light has to travel back through the rod to capture the
image.
Decreasing light in the camera for... - Answer -decreasing diameter, increasing scope
angle (ie 5mm and 30 degree has less light than 10mm 0 degree)
When is zero degree scope most useful - Answer -when working in a small area
directly in line with the scope and ports, like the pelvis
How to check fiber optics light connection - Answer -black dots= broken fibers
Why does it fog up? - Answer -temperature and humidity discrepancy between the OR
and body
Tools for defogging - Answer -- FRED antifog (must dry before putting back in)
- put laparoscope in hot water
Methods to clean a smudged lens - Answer -- gently wipe on clean tissue (liver, uterus,
bowel)
- remove scope and clean with hot water and gauze
Insufflation gas type and reasoning - Answer -CO2- readily available, inexpensive, non
combustable, warmed and humidified better
Other gasses used in laparoscopy - Answer --nitrous oxide
-helium (inert substance)
Why is the CO2 warmed and humidified for laparoscopy? - Answer -statistically
significant decreases in body temp and post-op pain
(not significant with surgery lasting <90 mins)
High flow insufflation - Answer -10 or more L per minute
Preventing loss of pneumo with suctioning - Answer -keep suction tip below the fluid
level
Components of the video tower - Answer --light source
, -camera control unit
-video monitor
-insufflator
Most common light source - Answer -300W xenon lamp
Troubleshooting steps: gas preop - Answer -1. Check that co2 tank is full (gauge may
read 'empty' if connected to central CO2 supply)
2. Check co2 tank gasket is secured (need a wrench, spare gasket)
3. Check that spare co2 tank is available in the OR
Troubleshooting steps: image - Answer -1. Check that the monitor is plugged in and
turned on
2. Check that all cables are connected correctly and securely
Troubleshooting steps: view of operative field is reduced in size - Answer -immediately
check the insufflator control panel to determine cause
Troubleshooting steps: loss of working space: insufflator settings:
-measured pressure is the same or higher than the preset pressure
Flow rate = 0 - Answer -1. The patient may not be adequately relaxed or there is a
mechanical block of gas flow
2. Inspect abdomen for rhythmic muscle contraction and palpate the abdomen for
firmness
3. Check port valves to make sure they are open
4. Check for kinks in tubing and make sure no one is standing on them
Troubleshooting steps: loss of working space: insufflator settings:
-low pressure and high flow rate
Flow rate = high - Answer -1. There is a leak in the insufflation circuit
2. Check that the tubing has not become disconnected from insufflator or port
3. Check that all valves are closed
4. Check all port sites for leaking co2
5. Check for foley catheter bag distention or bowel distention
Troubleshooting steps: loss of working space: insufflator settings:
-low pressure and no flow
Flow rate = 0 - Answer -1. Make sure that the insufflator power is on
2. Check gas level in the tank
Troubleshooting steps: loss of working space: complete loss of operative image (blank
monitor) - Answer -1. Check for disconnected power cords, video cables
2. Check for blown light source bulb
Warfarin discontinue time - Answer -3 days
Laproscopic instruments diameter and length ranges - Answer -2-10mm, 30-45cm
Hopkins rod lens - Answer -light has to travel back through the rod to capture the
image.
Decreasing light in the camera for... - Answer -decreasing diameter, increasing scope
angle (ie 5mm and 30 degree has less light than 10mm 0 degree)
When is zero degree scope most useful - Answer -when working in a small area
directly in line with the scope and ports, like the pelvis
How to check fiber optics light connection - Answer -black dots= broken fibers
Why does it fog up? - Answer -temperature and humidity discrepancy between the OR
and body
Tools for defogging - Answer -- FRED antifog (must dry before putting back in)
- put laparoscope in hot water
Methods to clean a smudged lens - Answer -- gently wipe on clean tissue (liver, uterus,
bowel)
- remove scope and clean with hot water and gauze
Insufflation gas type and reasoning - Answer -CO2- readily available, inexpensive, non
combustable, warmed and humidified better
Other gasses used in laparoscopy - Answer --nitrous oxide
-helium (inert substance)
Why is the CO2 warmed and humidified for laparoscopy? - Answer -statistically
significant decreases in body temp and post-op pain
(not significant with surgery lasting <90 mins)
High flow insufflation - Answer -10 or more L per minute
Preventing loss of pneumo with suctioning - Answer -keep suction tip below the fluid
level
Components of the video tower - Answer --light source
, -camera control unit
-video monitor
-insufflator
Most common light source - Answer -300W xenon lamp
Troubleshooting steps: gas preop - Answer -1. Check that co2 tank is full (gauge may
read 'empty' if connected to central CO2 supply)
2. Check co2 tank gasket is secured (need a wrench, spare gasket)
3. Check that spare co2 tank is available in the OR
Troubleshooting steps: image - Answer -1. Check that the monitor is plugged in and
turned on
2. Check that all cables are connected correctly and securely
Troubleshooting steps: view of operative field is reduced in size - Answer -immediately
check the insufflator control panel to determine cause
Troubleshooting steps: loss of working space: insufflator settings:
-measured pressure is the same or higher than the preset pressure
Flow rate = 0 - Answer -1. The patient may not be adequately relaxed or there is a
mechanical block of gas flow
2. Inspect abdomen for rhythmic muscle contraction and palpate the abdomen for
firmness
3. Check port valves to make sure they are open
4. Check for kinks in tubing and make sure no one is standing on them
Troubleshooting steps: loss of working space: insufflator settings:
-low pressure and high flow rate
Flow rate = high - Answer -1. There is a leak in the insufflation circuit
2. Check that the tubing has not become disconnected from insufflator or port
3. Check that all valves are closed
4. Check all port sites for leaking co2
5. Check for foley catheter bag distention or bowel distention
Troubleshooting steps: loss of working space: insufflator settings:
-low pressure and no flow
Flow rate = 0 - Answer -1. Make sure that the insufflator power is on
2. Check gas level in the tank
Troubleshooting steps: loss of working space: complete loss of operative image (blank
monitor) - Answer -1. Check for disconnected power cords, video cables
2. Check for blown light source bulb
