An example laparoscopic trocar assembly can be used for insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal (“VP”) shunt into an abdomen and comprises an optical system a trocar sleeve to allow a surgeon to see abdominal tissue being punctured and see into an abdominal cavity. An example trocar assembly comprises an entry port in the trocars side and a stylet to insert a VP shunt tube into an abdomen. An example trocar assembly comprises a transparent dissecting obturator with a sharp edge to puncture an abdominal wall and an optical system or camera to allow a surgeon to see inside of an abdominal cavity to avoid injury to blood vessels and internal organs during surgery. An example trocar comprises a side channel through which a VP shunt tube can be inserted into an abdominal cavity at the same point of insertion as the trocar.
