Suction control apparatus (101) for controlling suction flow rate during laparoscopic surgery, comprising a suction flow path (102) between an inlet (103) connectable to a suction collection system (105) comprising at least one fluid collection canister (106), and an outlet (105) connectable to a suction-generating vacuum source (107) operable to generate a vacuum source vacuum pressure level that produces a vacuum source suction flow rate within the suction flow path (102). The suction control apparatus (101) comprises a vacuum pressure level regulator (201) operable to regulate the vacuum pressure level within the suction flow path (102) to a pre-set, user non-adjustable regulated maximum vacuum pressure level. The suction control apparatus (101) further comprises a user-adjustable suction flow rate controller (202) operable to control the suction flow rate in the suction flow path (102).
