The invention resides in a filter apparatus configured for use in the evacuation of smoke and other contaminants from a laparosurgical operating site incorporating an integral variable flow control mechanism. The apparatus can have a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and configured to allow fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, and a filter component arranged between the inlet and the outlet for filtering surgical smoke. A structure is provided having an aperture for providing a channel for fluid flow between the inlet and outlet. A closure is also provided and is configured to releasably engage with the structure. The housing is configured to be movable, in relation to the closure or the structure, between (i) a first position in which there is fluid communication between and through the channel and (ii) a second position in which the structure and the closure engage to inhibit fluid flow through the housing.
