The shaft has a spiral spring (2) for reinforcing a composite sleeve (1), where the composite sleeve has a flexible inner sleeve that is softer than an outer sleeve. An external diameter of the spiral spring is larger than an internal diameter of the inner sleeve in an expanded condition, where the spiral spring is loosely inserted into the inner sleeve by spring-preloading, such that the spiral spring is radially pressed against the inner sleeve. The outer sleeve is made of polyurethane, and the inner sleeve is made of PVC. An independent claim is also included for an endoscope comprising an endoscopic shaft guided into a drive sleeve.
