receiving means to secure and release the distal end 22 of the endoscope from a desired position relative to the guide member 20 to this end fig2 a depicts a cross section of the guide member 20 wherein the distal end 22 of the endoscope 16 is tapered to define a slight conical length which may be tightly forced into a matching tapered lumen 35 formed in the member 20 to operably define a receiving means alternatively the receiving means may be defmed by a demountable lock which may be provided by means of an o ring 37 shown in phantom line concentrically mounted within the interior surface of the lumen 35 with the distal end 22 of the endoscope having an annular recess 39 about its circumference which mates with the o ring 37 to releasably attach the guide member 20 to the endoscope 16 in use the invention is inserted through an incision generally at a distal end of the saphenous vein in the leg not shown as in the procedure when performing a saphenectomy for removing varicose veins upon exposure of the vein and an initial transection of the tissues in the immediate region the guide member 20 is axially aligned with the saphenous vein 14 and an axial guide slot 36 shown partially in phantom line in fig2 is pressed into loose engagement with the saphenous vein 14 as depicted the attached endoscope 16 then may be used by the surgeon to gently urge the guide member 20 along the saphenous vein 14 to provide separation of the skin and tissues from the vein the endoscope 16 permits viewing the tissues the side branch vessels 27 and the end of the scissors 18 as the guide.