FLS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield FLS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the primary function of the mitochondria in cells relevant to Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery? → To produce energy (ATP) through cellular respiration
2. What is a best practice in Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery intracorporeal suturing? → A method or technique recognized as superior based on evidence and expert consensus
3. Which level of biological organization represents the most complex in Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery anatomy knowledge? → Ecosystem
4. What is the primary objective of trocar placement in Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery? → To ensure competence and proficiency in core trocar placement concepts
5. The Palmer's point entry site for Veress needle insertion is located at: → 3 cm below the left costal margin in the midclavicular line
6. The standard laparoscope used in FLS tasks has a 0° or 30° lens. What is the primary advantage of the 30° (angled) lens? → It allows the surgeon to 'look around corners' by rotating the scope
7. Which clip material is most commonly used in modern laparoscopic clip appliers? → Titanium
8. Which approach is most effective for mastering extracorporeal suturing in Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery? → Combining theoretical study with practical application and regular review
9. What is a best practice in Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery ligating loop placement? → A method or technique recognized as superior based on evidence and expert consensus
10. What is a best practice in Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery ergonomics and setup? → A method or technique recognized as superior based on evidence and expert consensus
11. In laparoscopic training simulations, what metric is most commonly used to evaluate clip application competency? → Time to apply clips combined with accuracy of placement on target structures
12. What is the relationship between theory and practice in Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery peg transfer skills? → Theory provides the foundation and framework that guides effective practical application
13. In Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery, why is trocar placement knowledge important for professional certification? → It demonstrates competence and ensures practitioners meet established standards
14. The use of all-plastic or all-metal trocars can avoid which problem? → Capacitative coupling
15. What is a best practice in Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery extracorporeal suturing? → A method or technique recognized as superior based on evidence and expert consensus
16. When the camera is positioned too close to the target tissue in the FLS box trainer, the result is: → Loss of spatial orientation and inability to see instrument tips
17. What should you check before exiting the abdomen at the end of a laparoscopic procedure? → All of the above
18. What is the primary objective of ergonomics and setup in Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery? → To ensure competence and proficiency in core ergonomics and setup concepts
19. Which of the following is NOT an absolute contraindication for laparoscopic surgery? → Bowel obstruction
20. How many clips should be placed on the patient's side of the cystic duct before transection? → Two clips
21. Light intensity in laparoscopy follows the inverse square law, which means doubling the distance from light source to tissue: → Reduces light intensity to one-quarter of its original level
22. During an FLS box trainer task, the trainee notices the image is blurry despite correct camera focus. The most likely cause is: → Blood or fluid on the distal lens tip
23. What should be included in the initial consultation for laparoscopic surgery? → Possibility of conversion to open surgery
24. When the laparoscope is rotated during a procedure, the horizon on the monitor tilts. To maintain proper orientation, the surgeon should: → Counter-rotate the scope to restore the horizon or use camera rotation correction software
25. Which of the following is a contraindication to the use of CO₂ pneumoperitoneum? → Severe COPD with CO₂ retention
26. In FLS skills assessment, 'camera navigation' is evaluated as part of task performance because: → Poor camera positioning directly increases task time and error rates in all five FLS tasks
27. When checking the Veress needle during laparoscopic surgery, which is the most accurate indicator to ensure proper placement? → Flow of CO2 and low pressures
28. What is the primary cardiovascular effect of elevated intraabdominal pressure (>15 mmHg) during laparoscopy? → Decreased venous return and reduced cardiac output
29. What is a best practice in Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery energy devices? → A method or technique recognized as superior based on evidence and expert consensus
30. During a laparoscopic procedure, the screen suddenly goes blank. Which of the following is NOT a potential cause of this problem? → Incorrect settings on the FRED (Fluorescence-Enhanced Real-time Imaging Device)