A cover for a laparoscope having a substantially gas-impermeable, flexible membrane defining an interior space adapted to receive at least a distal-most portion of the laparoscope and at least one valve for allowing gas to flow into and/or out of the interior space. By providing a substantially gas-impermeable, flexible membrane, the membrane can conform to the camera in use, ensuring that the cover can be used with both rigid and flexible laparoscopes and in particular those with cameras at their distal end. The valve allows gas to flow into or out of the interior space. This may be used to remove gas from the interior space so that the cover conforms more closely to the profile of the endoscopic camera. It may also be used to check that there has been no damage to the cover during the operation, and thus no breach of the sterile barrier.
