The Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery TM (FLS) program is comprised of two components: education and assessment. The comprehensive web-based education module includes 13 chapters covering everything from equipment and patient prep to post-operative care. Also included in the didactic material are videos detailing the hands-on skills training component. The FLS assessment tool is designed to evaluate the learners understanding of the physiology, fundamental knowledge, case/problem management skills, manual dexterity, and technical skills required in basic laparoscopic surgery.
As a non-procedure specific program, our goal is to provide all surgical residents, fellows and practicing physicians an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery in a consistent, scientifically accepted format and to test cognitive, surgical decision making, and technical skills, all with the goal of improving the quality of patient care. The FLS program content is a joint educational offering of SAGES and American College of Surgeons (ACS) and has been endorsed by the American Board of Surgery (ABS), the Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG).
