FLS MODULE 3 - BASIC LAPAROSCOPIC PROCEDURES
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE 2026 FULL QUESTIONS
AND SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
● Describe a monopolar energy route?. Answer: -electrode > tissue > patient > return pad
● Describe a bipolar energy route?. Answer: -electrode > tissue > electrode
● -. Answer: electrodes shaped like forceps
● Three modes of monopolar devices?. Answer: -cut
● Describe the mechanism of monopolar cutting?. Answer: -heats tissue quickly >
converts water to steam > causes cells to explode
● Describe the mechanism of monopolar coagulation?. Answer: -rapid surface heating
● What is current diversion and when does it occur?. Answer: -when current passes
through unintentional tissue following the path of least resistance
● What precautions should surgeons take when utilizing laparoscopy?. Answer:
-inspect insulation carefully
● What is capacitative coupling?. 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?. Answer: -the the transfer of electrical energy by means of
physical contact via a conductive medium (such as between two instruments)
● When is a narrow return circuit formed?. Answer: -when a monopolar instrument comes
into contact with a ligated tissue
● Bipolar instruments can seal vessels up to what diameter?. Answer: -7 mm
● Hazards of using bipolar instruments?. Answer: -inadvertent thermal injury
● The harmonic is an example of what type of device?. Answer: -piezoelectric transducer
, ● The use of all plastic or all metal trocars can avoid which problem during
electrosurgery?. Answer: -capacitative coupling
● Surgeons should have their arms how many degrees away from their body?. Answer:
-30 degrees
● Elbows should be flexed between...?. Answer: -60 to 120 degrees
● Consideration for patients on steroids or immunosuppressive drugs?. Answer: -may
need stress dosing
● When should warfarin be discontinued before surgery?. Answer: -three days
● Any proof that NSAIDs need to be discontinued before surgery?. Answer: -no
● ASA class one?. Answer: -no disturbance
● ASA class two?. Answer: -mild to moderate systemic disease
● ASA class three?. Answer: -severe systemic disease
● What patients may not be suitable for LSC surgery?. Answer: -ASA 4 and 5
● How long should trocars be in obsese patients?. Answer: -greater than 100 mm
● Approaches to minimizing complications during entry in thin patients?. Answer:
-elevating abdominal wall
● Absolute contraindications to laparoscopy?. Answer: -hypovolemic shock
● Relative contraindications to laparoscopy?. Answer: -inability to tolerate general
anesthesia
● Contraindications to LSC cholecystectomy?. Answer: -gallbladder cancer
● Contraindications to LSC colon resection?. Answer: -large fixed mass
● Contraindications to LSC appendectomy?. Answer: -phlegmon
● Contraindications to emergency LSC?. Answer: -longstanding peritonitis
● Contraindications to pelvic LSC?. Answer: -large fixed mass
● Contraindications to LSC foregut procedures?. Answer: -previous gastric operation
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE 2026 FULL QUESTIONS
AND SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
● Describe a monopolar energy route?. Answer: -electrode > tissue > patient > return pad
● Describe a bipolar energy route?. Answer: -electrode > tissue > electrode
● -. Answer: electrodes shaped like forceps
● Three modes of monopolar devices?. Answer: -cut
● Describe the mechanism of monopolar cutting?. Answer: -heats tissue quickly >
converts water to steam > causes cells to explode
● Describe the mechanism of monopolar coagulation?. Answer: -rapid surface heating
● What is current diversion and when does it occur?. Answer: -when current passes
through unintentional tissue following the path of least resistance
● What precautions should surgeons take when utilizing laparoscopy?. Answer:
-inspect insulation carefully
● What is capacitative coupling?. 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?. Answer: -the the transfer of electrical energy by means of
physical contact via a conductive medium (such as between two instruments)
● When is a narrow return circuit formed?. Answer: -when a monopolar instrument comes
into contact with a ligated tissue
● Bipolar instruments can seal vessels up to what diameter?. Answer: -7 mm
● Hazards of using bipolar instruments?. Answer: -inadvertent thermal injury
● The harmonic is an example of what type of device?. Answer: -piezoelectric transducer
, ● The use of all plastic or all metal trocars can avoid which problem during
electrosurgery?. Answer: -capacitative coupling
● Surgeons should have their arms how many degrees away from their body?. Answer:
-30 degrees
● Elbows should be flexed between...?. Answer: -60 to 120 degrees
● Consideration for patients on steroids or immunosuppressive drugs?. Answer: -may
need stress dosing
● When should warfarin be discontinued before surgery?. Answer: -three days
● Any proof that NSAIDs need to be discontinued before surgery?. Answer: -no
● ASA class one?. Answer: -no disturbance
● ASA class two?. Answer: -mild to moderate systemic disease
● ASA class three?. Answer: -severe systemic disease
● What patients may not be suitable for LSC surgery?. Answer: -ASA 4 and 5
● How long should trocars be in obsese patients?. Answer: -greater than 100 mm
● Approaches to minimizing complications during entry in thin patients?. Answer:
-elevating abdominal wall
● Absolute contraindications to laparoscopy?. Answer: -hypovolemic shock
● Relative contraindications to laparoscopy?. Answer: -inability to tolerate general
anesthesia
● Contraindications to LSC cholecystectomy?. Answer: -gallbladder cancer
● Contraindications to LSC colon resection?. Answer: -large fixed mass
● Contraindications to LSC appendectomy?. Answer: -phlegmon
● Contraindications to emergency LSC?. Answer: -longstanding peritonitis
● Contraindications to pelvic LSC?. Answer: -large fixed mass
● Contraindications to LSC foregut procedures?. Answer: -previous gastric operation
