FLS is a comprehensive web-based education module for laparoscopic surgery.

  • Welcome to FLS

    Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery …the definitive laparoscopic skills enhancement and assessment module. “Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery – Its Time Has Come”.

    Welcome to FLS
  • Why Take The FLS Test?

    Individual Surgeons We believe FLS will set the standard for laparoscopic surgery. Surgeons are increasingly required to document their competency. FLS offers surgeons the opportunity to assess and document their own knowledge and skills before they are required to.

    Why Take The FLS Test?
  • FLS Program Description

    FLS Information Bulletin FLS establishes a standard set of didactic information and manual skills serving as a basic curriculum to guide surgical residents, fellows and practicing surgeons in the performance of basic laparoscopic surgery.  By mastering the curriculum and gathering of skills in this inanimate modality, it is expected that surgical residents and surgeons will… Continue Reading

    FLS Program Description

Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery


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).

View the Interactive Demo