FLS Camera Navigation and Optics Flashcards

Depth perception in laparoscopic surgery is primarily achieved through:

Answer: Monocular cues such as shadows, relative size, and instrument feedback

Standard 2D laparoscopy relies on monocular depth cues — shadows, overlap, relative motion, and tactile feedback — because a single camera cannot provide true stereoscopic vision.

In the FLS peg transfer task, which camera orientation is most critical for accurate performance?

Answer: Camera aimed downward at 45° toward the pegs

A downward angled view provides the spatial perspective needed to see the peg tops, judge ring placement, and coordinate bimanual transfer in the FLS trainer.

The standard monitor height for a laparoscopic surgeon during FLS training should be:

Answer: At or slightly below eye level, aligned with the surgical field

Monitor placement at or slightly below eye level allows the surgeon to maintain a neutral neck position and align visual gaze with the operative field on screen.

When the laparoscope is rotated during a procedure, the horizon on the monitor tilts. To maintain proper orientation, the surgeon should:

Answer: Counter-rotate the scope to restore the horizon or use camera rotation correction software

Counter-rotating the scope back to horizon or using the camera head's rotation correction restores proper anatomical orientation on the monitor.

What effect does increasing the distance between the laparoscope and the target tissue have on the image?

Answer: Decreases magnification, increases field of view, and decreases brightness

Moving the scope farther from the target reduces image magnification and brightness (light follows inverse square law) while expanding the field of view.

In FLS skills assessment, 'camera navigation' is evaluated as part of task performance because:

Answer: Poor camera positioning directly increases task time and error rates in all five FLS tasks

Suboptimal camera positioning limits visualization, forcing awkward instrument angles and reducing precision — this directly inflates completion time and error scores in all FLS tasks.