Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) Practice Exam

Having enough distance between the working ports is essential for proper triangulation and room to maneuver during intracorporeal knot tying. When the ports are spaced at least 10 cm apart, the instruments can approach the target tissue from distinct angles, allowing precise needle driving, adequate tissue tension, and a clear view of the knot as it is formed. This reduces external instrument collision, improves control of the knot, and lowers the risk of tissue injury or dropped knots. Distances smaller than this crowd the workspace and limit angulation, making knot tying awkward and less reliable.