Sterilizable endoscope with separable disposable tube assembly

An improved endoscope comprising:

• a first segment comprising a substantially cylindrical capsule including distal and proximal ends and a first curved exterior surface, said capsule further including a transparent window at said distal end and a first substantially planar mating surface opposite said first exterior surface;
• an image sensor mounted adjacent said window and within said first segment;
• at least one image transmitting cable connectable to said image sensor and extending proximally from said first segment for transmitting an image signal from said image sensor to a video control unit and then to a remote image display device;
• at least one light transmitting fiber having a distal end adjacent said window within said first segment and extending proximally from said first segment for transmitting light to a surgical site from a remote light source;
• and
• a second segment comprising a separable disposable section having at least one longitudinal opening for transmitting fluids or for receiving an operative instrument and further having a second curved exterior surface and a second substantially planar mating surface opposite said second exterior surface, said second substantially planar mating surface being releasably attachable to said first substantially planar mating surface of said capsule such that there is formed a substantially planar interface between said first and second segments, wherein said first and second segments, when attached along said first and second mating surfaces, together form a cylindrical endoscope having a contiguous smooth curved exterior surface and a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, such that after use on a patient, said second segment is disposable while said first segment is sterilizable for reuse with a new segment on another patient.