Endoscopic camera system integrated with a trocar sleeve

An apparatus comprising:

• a tubular member having a first end configured for insertion into the body of a patient, the tubular member further having an inner surface defining a channel for accommodating a surgical tool, the tubular member further having an outer surface with a groove defined lengthwise in the outer surface;
• and
• a base coupled to a second end of the tubular member opposite the first end, the base including a fastener configured to allow removable attachment of an endoscopic camera head to the base, the base further having an outer surface with a continuation of said groove defined in the outer surface of the base, such that a rigid endoscope can be removably inserted into said groove.

A trocar sleeve comprising:

• a tube having a first end configured to allow insertion into the body of a patient, the tube further having an inner surface defining a channel to accommodate an inserted trocar, the tube further having an outer surface with a groove defined lengthwise therein;
• and
• a base coupled to a second end of the tube opposite the first end, the base including a fastener configured to allow removable attachment of an endoscopic camera head to the base, the base further having an outer surface with a continuation of said groove defined in the outer surface of the base, the groove configured to allow removable attachment of a rigid endoscope to the trocar sleeve, such that at least a portion of the rigid endoscope is disposed substantially parallel to the channel when inserted into the tubular member.