A laparoscope for introduction into a body cavity includes an elongated shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion. Each of the proximal and distal portions has an outer surface. The distal portion is disposed in a bent configuration relative to the proximal portion once inserted into the body cavity. At least one illumination device is disposed on the outer surface of the distal portion and is in electronic communication with a control unit. At least one image capturing device is disposed adjacent the illumination device and is in electronic communication with the control unit and a display unit.
