A zoom laparoscope (2) having a laparoscope base unit (6) with a proximal end and a distal end and having a sheath (4) with a zoom assembly (30). In one embodiment, the laparoscope comprises a two dimensional solid state imaging sensor (16). The laparoscope can contain a sheath locking mechanism (12) located at both its proximal and distal ends. The sheath (4) can comprise a light transmitting material (22) for illumination of a region of interest. In an alternate embodiment, the sheath (4) comprises an attachment for changing the angle of view of the laparoscope. The laparoscope can also contain a handle (70) at its proximal end.
