FLS EXAM 2026 (ACTUAL EXAM) |
FUNDAMENTALS OF
LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY EXAM
2026 Questions and Answers
Describe a monopolar energy route? - Correct answer--electrode > tissue > patient
> return pad
Describe a bipolar energy route? - Correct answer--electrode > tissue > electrode
--> electrodes shaped like forceps
Three modes of monopolar devices? - Correct answer--cut
-coagulation
-blending
Describe the mechanism of monopolar cutting? - Correct answer--heats tissue
quickly > converts water to steam > causes cells to explode
Describe the mechanism of monopolar coagulation? - Correct answer--rapid
surface heating
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,What is current diversion and when does it occur? - Correct answer--when current
passes through unintentional tissue following the path of least resistance
What precautions should surgeons take when utilizing laparoscopy? - Correct
answer--inspect insulation carefully
-use lowest possible power setting
-use lowest voltage waveform possible
-use brief intermittent activation vs. prolonged activation
-do not active unless in close proximity to target tissue
-do not activate in close proximity to another instrument
-use bipolar instrumentation when possible
What is capacitative coupling? - Correct answer--the transfer of energy within an
electrical network or between distant networks by means of displacement current
between circuit nodes, induced by the electric field
What is direct coupling? - Correct answer--the the transfer of electrical energy by
means of physical contact via a conductive medium (such as between two
instruments)
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,When is a narrow return circuit formed? - Correct answer--when a monopolar
instrument comes into contact with a ligated tissue
Bipolar instruments can seal vessels up to what diameter? - Correct answer--7 mm
Hazards of using bipolar instruments? - Correct answer--inadvertent thermal injury
-inadvertent cutting of patent before adequate sealing
-improper device function if metal is contained within the jaws
The harmonic is an example of what type of device? - Correct answer--
piezoelectric transducer
The use of all plastic or all metal trocars can avoid which problem during
electrosurgery? - Correct answer--capacitative coupling
Surgeons should have their arms how many degrees away from their body? -
Correct answer--30 degrees
Elbows should be flexed between...? - Correct answer--60 to 120 degrees
Consideration for patients on steroids or immunosuppressive drugs? - Correct
answer--may need stress dosing
When should warfarin be discontinued before surgery? - Correct answer--three
days
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, Any proof that NSAIDs need to be discontinued before surgery? - Correct answer--
no
ASA class one? - Correct answer--no disturbance
ASA class two? - Correct answer--mild to moderate systemic disease
ASA class three? - Correct answer--severe systemic disease
What patients may not be suitable for LSC surgery? - Correct answer--ASA 4 and
5
How long should trocars be in obsese patients? - Correct answer--greater than 100
mm
Approaches to minimizing complications during entry in thin patients? - Correct
answer--elevating abdominal wall
-place veress near costal margin
-use hassan open approach or direct entry
Absolute contraindications to laparoscopy? - Correct answer--hypovolemic shock
-lack of training
-lack of institutional support
-can't tolerate laparotomy
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
FUNDAMENTALS OF
LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY EXAM
2026 Questions and Answers
Describe a monopolar energy route? - Correct answer--electrode > tissue > patient
> return pad
Describe a bipolar energy route? - Correct answer--electrode > tissue > electrode
--> electrodes shaped like forceps
Three modes of monopolar devices? - Correct answer--cut
-coagulation
-blending
Describe the mechanism of monopolar cutting? - Correct answer--heats tissue
quickly > converts water to steam > causes cells to explode
Describe the mechanism of monopolar coagulation? - Correct answer--rapid
surface heating
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,What is current diversion and when does it occur? - Correct answer--when current
passes through unintentional tissue following the path of least resistance
What precautions should surgeons take when utilizing laparoscopy? - Correct
answer--inspect insulation carefully
-use lowest possible power setting
-use lowest voltage waveform possible
-use brief intermittent activation vs. prolonged activation
-do not active unless in close proximity to target tissue
-do not activate in close proximity to another instrument
-use bipolar instrumentation when possible
What is capacitative coupling? - Correct answer--the transfer of energy within an
electrical network or between distant networks by means of displacement current
between circuit nodes, induced by the electric field
What is direct coupling? - Correct answer--the the transfer of electrical energy by
means of physical contact via a conductive medium (such as between two
instruments)
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
,When is a narrow return circuit formed? - Correct answer--when a monopolar
instrument comes into contact with a ligated tissue
Bipolar instruments can seal vessels up to what diameter? - Correct answer--7 mm
Hazards of using bipolar instruments? - Correct answer--inadvertent thermal injury
-inadvertent cutting of patent before adequate sealing
-improper device function if metal is contained within the jaws
The harmonic is an example of what type of device? - Correct answer--
piezoelectric transducer
The use of all plastic or all metal trocars can avoid which problem during
electrosurgery? - Correct answer--capacitative coupling
Surgeons should have their arms how many degrees away from their body? -
Correct answer--30 degrees
Elbows should be flexed between...? - Correct answer--60 to 120 degrees
Consideration for patients on steroids or immunosuppressive drugs? - Correct
answer--may need stress dosing
When should warfarin be discontinued before surgery? - Correct answer--three
days
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
, Any proof that NSAIDs need to be discontinued before surgery? - Correct answer--
no
ASA class one? - Correct answer--no disturbance
ASA class two? - Correct answer--mild to moderate systemic disease
ASA class three? - Correct answer--severe systemic disease
What patients may not be suitable for LSC surgery? - Correct answer--ASA 4 and
5
How long should trocars be in obsese patients? - Correct answer--greater than 100
mm
Approaches to minimizing complications during entry in thin patients? - Correct
answer--elevating abdominal wall
-place veress near costal margin
-use hassan open approach or direct entry
Absolute contraindications to laparoscopy? - Correct answer--hypovolemic shock
-lack of training
-lack of institutional support
-can't tolerate laparotomy
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
