Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) Practice Exam

Veress needle entry aims to create pneumoperitoneum from a safe, reliable point that minimizes risk to intra-abdominal organs. The most common site is the umbilicus because it sits in a relatively avascular area with minimal underlying structures and provides straightforward access to the peritoneal cavity. A well-recognized alternative is a left upper quadrant entry at Palmer’s point, used when the umbilical route is contraindicated (for example, prior abdominal surgery, obesity, or suspected liver enlargement) to avoid the liver and other intra-abdominal organs. The RUQ and LLQ, subxiphoid area, and inguinal region are not standard Veress needle sites because they carry higher risk of injury to organs or are not reliable for accessing the peritoneal cavity.