This contribution provides an overview of various photogrammetric measurement techniques in minimally invasive surgery and presents a self-developed prototypical trinocular endoscope for reliable surface measurements. Most of the presented techniques focus on applications regarding laparoscopy, which mean endoscopic operations in the abdominal or pelvic cavities. Since endoscopic operations are very demanding to the surgeon, various assistant systems have been developed. Imaging systems may use photogrammetric techniques in order to perform 3D measurements during operation. The intra-operatively acquired 3D data may be used for analysis, model registration, guidance or documentation. Passive and active techniques have been miniaturised, integrated into endoscopes and investigated by several research groups. The main advantages and disadvantages of several active and passive techniques adapted to laparoscopy are described in this contribution. Additionally, a self-developed trinocular endoscope is described and evaluated.