FUNDAMENTALS OF LAPAROSCOPIC
SURGERY EXAM 2025-2026 FLS EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What is the most commonly used gas for laparoscopy?
Carbon dioxide (it's cheap and non-combustible)
Describe the cutting mode of monopolar energy.
Tissue is heated quickly, converting cell water to steam and
causing the cell to explode. This uses constant, low voltage.
What is the appropriate height for the video monitors in
laparoscopy?
At or slightly below eye level to avoid neck strain/extension.
What is generally the best ergonomic working position for the
primary surgeon? What are the optimal arm angles?
On the contralateral side of the operative site. The arm should
not be more than 30 degrees abducted from the thorax, and the
, elbow should bend between 60 and 120 degrees from the side
Which ASA categories may not be appropriate for laparoscopy
since their cardiopulmonary status may not accommodate the
required pneumoperitoneum?
ASA 4 (severe systemic disturbances that markedly limit the
patient, and are life-threatening with or without surgery) and ASA
5 (moribund patient who has little chance for survival but is
submitted to surgery as a last resort).
Name a strategy that can be used for obese patients to help in
correct placement of secondary trocars.
Use of a spinal needle first to identify the intraperitoneal
penetration point.
How long are trocars typically for obese patients?
Greater than 100 mm
SURGERY EXAM 2025-2026 FLS EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What is the most commonly used gas for laparoscopy?
Carbon dioxide (it's cheap and non-combustible)
Describe the cutting mode of monopolar energy.
Tissue is heated quickly, converting cell water to steam and
causing the cell to explode. This uses constant, low voltage.
What is the appropriate height for the video monitors in
laparoscopy?
At or slightly below eye level to avoid neck strain/extension.
What is generally the best ergonomic working position for the
primary surgeon? What are the optimal arm angles?
On the contralateral side of the operative site. The arm should
not be more than 30 degrees abducted from the thorax, and the
, elbow should bend between 60 and 120 degrees from the side
Which ASA categories may not be appropriate for laparoscopy
since their cardiopulmonary status may not accommodate the
required pneumoperitoneum?
ASA 4 (severe systemic disturbances that markedly limit the
patient, and are life-threatening with or without surgery) and ASA
5 (moribund patient who has little chance for survival but is
submitted to surgery as a last resort).
Name a strategy that can be used for obese patients to help in
correct placement of secondary trocars.
Use of a spinal needle first to identify the intraperitoneal
penetration point.
How long are trocars typically for obese patients?
Greater than 100 mm
