FLS Camera Navigation and Optics Flashcards

The field of view of a standard 10 mm laparoscope compared to a 5 mm laparoscope is:

Answer: Wider and brighter due to the larger optic bundle and lens

A larger diameter scope accommodates a bigger lens and a larger fiber optic bundle, producing a wider field of view and brighter image than a smaller scope.

During an FLS box trainer task, the trainee notices the image is blurry despite correct camera focus. The most likely cause is:

Answer: Blood or fluid on the distal lens tip

The most common intraoperative cause of sudden image blur is contamination of the distal lens surface — the scope must be cleaned on a moist sponge or warmed saline.

Light intensity in laparoscopy follows the inverse square law, which means doubling the distance from light source to tissue:

Answer: Reduces light intensity to one-quarter of its original level

By the inverse square law, intensity decreases proportionally to the square of the distance, so doubling the distance reduces light to 1/4 of its original intensity.

The 'sword fighting' artifact in laparoscopy refers to:

Answer: Instrument tip collision caused by poor triangulation and camera alignment

Sword fighting occurs when instruments and/or the camera are aligned coaxially rather than triangulated, causing frequent clashing that impairs bimanual coordination.

Why is 'triangulation' a fundamental principle of laparoscopic port placement and camera positioning?

Answer: It positions the camera and both working instruments at angles that optimize visualization and prevent instrument collision

Triangulation angles the camera and working instruments so each has an unobstructed view and movement range, mimicking the natural bimanual dexterity of open surgery.

In the FLS examination, which of the following best describes the role of the camera operator (or self-directed camera control) in achieving a high score?

Answer: Maintaining a clear, appropriately framed view of the task reduces errors and improves speed, directly affecting the score

FLS scores combine time and error penalty; keeping the task in clear view reduces errors (dropped pegs, incomplete cuts, loose knots) and shortens time on task.